Bega Valley Shire Council says it will continue to advocate for and support local businesses as they navigate new FOGO collection requirements introduced by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
From July 2026, some NSW businesses will be required under new EPA rules to separate food waste from general waste.
As these requirements begin to roll out across NSW, Council doesn't have the funding, resources or processing space needed to offer FOGO collection to every eligible business in the shire.
Council's Waste Strategy Coordinator, Tim Cook said the new statewide mandate is an important step in reducing food waste to landfill, but local implementation will take time.
"Council strongly supports the EPA's goal of diverting organic waste from landfill and turning it into a valuable resource," Mr Cook said.
"However, we want to reassure local businesses we have no immediate plans to issue fines under the EPA mandate as we don't currently have the ability to expand our FOGO services, and we want to take an education first approach.
"At this stage, FOGO services will only continue for those businesses already included in our existing collection program."
The EPA has acknowledged that some councils will need more time to fully implement the statewide service and is developing an exemption framework to guide decision-making.
"The exemption framework will recognise that some areas face challenges such as limited processing infrastructure, geographical constraints, existing waste contracts and the design of certain premises like multi-unit buildings," Mr Cook said.
"One of the guiding principles of the framework is that no one should be penalised where access to a FOGO service is limited or cost prohibitive.
"Council's long-term aim is to extend FOGO collection to all appropriate businesses across the shire, as infrastructure and service capacity allow. Over the next 12 months, we expect to have a clearer picture of what an expansion of the service may look like.
"Our priority for now is to grow the service in a sustainable way and support local businesses through this transition.
"Bega Valley businesses have already shown strong leadership in waste reduction and we look forward to building on that as the FOGO program expands over time."
For more information about Council's FOGO service, visit its website.
For information on the statewide FOGO mandate, visit the NSW EPA website.
