The New South Wales (NSW) government has implemented a statewide initiative for Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling to combat the significant food waste problem leading to landfills. New legislation mandates households to adopt a third bin specifically for FOGO by July 2030, while businesses and institutions are required to comply by July 2026.
Local councils must provide FOGO bins to all households currently utilising the red-lid collection service. This impending change extends to companies such as supermarkets and restaurants, which will also need to implement separate bins for food waste. NSW Climate Change Minister Penny Sharpe warned that, without intervention, landfill space could be depleted by 2030, emphasising that recycling organic materials is essential for a sustainable future. She described this rollout as the most significant transformation in household waste collection in a generation, acknowledging the accompanying challenges while noting that many communities have embraced similar initiatives already in place.
Currently, many councils operate a two-bin system for waste—one for recycling (yellow) and another for general rubbish (red). Although green bins, designated for garden waste and collected bi-weekly, are not a new concept, mandatory FOGO bins have not previously been enforced. Once established, the FOGO bins will be collected weekly, alongside the other bins, which will alternate collections on a fortnightly basis.
Implementation for this program will begin with the NSW Environmental Protection Agency distributing new bins between one to four months before the mandate is enforced. Each household will receive a FOGO starter kit, including a kitchen caddy for waste, liners, educational materials, and collection schedules. The initiative is supported by a significant government investment of $81 million, which includes funding specifically aimed at improving FOGO participation in multi-unit dwellings.
In comparison to other states, Victoria is already underway with a similar FOGO rollout scheduled for completion by 2030. Meanwhile, Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory have made FOGO bins available but not mandatory. Conversely, there are no dedicated FOGO collection services in the Northern Territory or South Australia. This statewide movement aims to enhance waste management and engage communities in responsible recycling practices, ultimately reducing landfill reliance and promoting sustainability across NSW.