Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) is one of the easiest ways Shellharbour residents can reduce waste at home. It also helps protect our environment.
Simply place food scraps and garden waste – like fruit and veggie peelings, lawn clippings, and leaves – into your green bin. These materials are then turned into nutrient-rich compost and mulch instead of going to landfill.
Want to know what can and can’t go in your FOGO bin? Visit our FOGO page here.
Why FOGO Matters
You might be surprised to learn that around 22% of the average household red bin is made up of food waste – material that could go into the green FOGO bin instead.
When food waste is sent to landfill, it not only takes up valuable space but also generates greenhouse gas emissions. At the Dunmore Recycling and Waste Disposal Depot, landfill capacity is projected to last until 2058. However, this relies on reducing what we send there today.
By using your FOGO bin correctly, you can help cut down on landfill waste and support a more sustainable future for Shellharbour.
Make It Easy with Little Green Bags
To make things easier, Council provides up to three free packets of compostable caddy liners each year. Residents can collect these from the Civic Centre, local libraries, and the Waste Depot.
If you don’t yet have a kitchen benchtop caddy, this can also be collected for free at the Dunmore Waste Depot or the Shellharbour Civic Centre.
Visit our Little Green Bag page to learn more.
Simple Tips to Get It Right
Getting started with FOGO is simple. Just follow these easy tips:
- Put all food scraps and garden organics in your green bin
- Use certified compostable liners (AS4736)
- Put your FOGO bin out for weekly collection
- Keep your bin in a shaded, well-ventilated spot
Small Changes Add Up
Every small action makes a difference. By improving your waste sorting habits, you help reduce landfill and lower emissions across Shellharbour.
