A local council in Australia is introducing a new approach to managing household waste by offering residents a choice between a compost bin or a worm farm. This initiative comes after the council decided to discontinue its controversial Food and Organic Waste (FOGO) bins nearly two years ago.
Ipswich City Council, located in South East Queensland, had operated a FOGO service for approximately four years before making the decision to completely stop the program at the end of 2024. The primary reason cited was the strong odour caused by rotting food at processing facilities. Additionally, contamination issues and the lack of compliant organic processors in the market contributed to the council’s decision to pause the program.
Now, residents of this rapidly expanding city are being given two options: a compost bin or a worm farm. Both are available free of charge through the council’s Organics at Home initiative, with the aim of reducing household waste by up to 30 per cent.
Residents can choose their preferred option, which will be delivered in June. According to Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding:
“The compost bin is best suited for homes that have both kitchen scraps and garden waste. With the right mix of organic waste, a compost bin or worm farm produces nutrient-rich fertiliser that can be used to improve soil health and support plant growth in home gardens, potted plants, lawns, and vegetable patches.
“The worm farm is ideal for small spaces or homes without garden waste, as it turns daily food scraps into nutrient-rich castings and liquid fertiliser for plants,” she said.
Why are some Australians dissatisfied with FOGO bins?
Ipswich City Council is not alone in rethinking the use of FOGO bins. In Western Australia, the City of Bunbury is considering scrapping the bins after 10 years of operation due to increasing pressure on the program. The collapse of local processing facilities has led to thousands of kilograms of rotting waste being sent to landfill each month, prompting councillors to consider abandoning the program.
In the City of Rockingham Local Government Area (LGA), residents have expressed concerns about the impact of changes to their waste collection services. General waste pick-ups have been reduced to fortnightly collections, leading to an increase in maggots, flies, and crows in suburban streets.
Similar issues have arisen in Wellington Shire Council in Victoria’s Gippsland region, where residents have started a petition against a plan to reduce red bin pick-ups to every second week.
What is the difference between a FOGO bin and a compost bin?
Waste collected from FOGO bins is typically picked up from the kerb, just like general waste and recycling bins. In contrast, compost bins are usually kept in a backyard to process organic waste at home.
While all food scraps can be placed in FOGO bins, beginners are advised to avoid adding meat, dairy, and bread to their compost bins until they become more familiar with the process. These items can attract vermin if not managed properly.
Compost bins require more attention but are generally low-maintenance and provide nutrient-rich soil for gardens. They offer a sustainable way to manage organic waste while contributing to healthier plants and soil.
