Starting today, residents in the City of Rockingham can begin using the three-bin Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) system, making Rockingham the 25th local government in Western Australia to adopt this sustainable waste solution.
- FOGO service now available to 57,400 more households
- Rockingham joins WA's growing FOGO network to recycle organic waste
- Supported by the Cook Labor Government's $20 million Better Bins Plus: Go FOGO program
The Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) initiative is a cornerstone of the State Government's Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 , which focuses on increasing resource recovery and reducing environmental harm from waste to landfill.
By collecting food scraps and garden waste separately each week, local councils can convert organic material into nutrient-rich compost and soil products for use in agriculture, landscaping, and public spaces.
The success of the program depends on residents sorting their waste correctly. Residents are encouraged to consult their local council's guidelines to ensure they are correctly disposing of items in the appropriate bins. Keeping FOGO bins free from contamination ensures the compost produced is clean and useful for local gardens, parks, and farms.
The Better Bins Plus: Go FOGO program , administered by the Waste Authority , has helped fund Rockingham's transition, supporting the setup costs and a comprehensive community education campaign.
Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said:
"Western Australians are eager to do their part for the environment, and the FOGO system makes it easier than ever to recycle food and garden waste.
"It's fantastic to see the City of Rockingham join the growing number of councils embracing this system.
"FOGO is a simple, effective way to reduce landfill, improve recycling, and protect our environment for future generations.
"When residents sort their waste correctly, FOGO can truly make a difference."
City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin added:
"Our community is passionate about sustainability, and the introduction of FOGO is a major milestone in our waste management journey.
"This system will help residents divert more waste from landfill and contribute to a cleaner, greener Rockingham.
"FOGO will help our community improve the environment by turning food and garden waste into valuable products like nutrient-rich compost.
"FOGO is a smart, sustainable solution that benefits our environment, our economy and our community."
For more information, read Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn's Media Statement .
