As part of our Waste Plan 2020/2021 we are making the Food Organic and Garden Organic (FOGO) service available to all residential properties that currently use the green-lidded garden organic bin.
The three-bin FOGO system commenced roll out in the Perth metropolitan area in 2019. The WA State Government is encouraging the introduction of this best-practice three-bin system throughout all local governmentsopens in a new windowopens in a new windowopens in a new window in the Perth and Peel regions by 2025.
Here in the City of Rockingham we want to do our bit to ensure a sustainable future by reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill; in fact our Community’s Vision is: “A quality lifestyle. A sustainable future”, and it's one of our Community Aspirations to be a place of natural beauty where the environment is respected. The City is implementing a FOGO waste collection service in the City of Rockingham by the end of June 2025. This is simply an expansion of the existing three-bin GO (Garden Organic) service which was implemented in 2017.
The FOGO journey
We are working through all the details of how a FOGO service can be best delivered in the City of Rockingham and will keep you updated on our progress.
FOGO may bring about a change in how you dispose of you waste in your household so we will doing lots of community education to make sure everyone understands their role in helping to reduce waste for the benefit of our environment.
If you have any questions about the roll out of a FOGO service in the City of Rockingham, please call us on 9528 0333, email customer@rockingham.wa.gov.au or read the frequently asked questions below.
Frequently asked questions
FOGO stands for Food Organics, Garden Organics and is a waste collection and processing program. Under the FOGO program you will be able to add food waste and other organic waste, such as garden waste to your green bin for kerbside collection. The contents of a FOGO bin can be turned into compost, mulch and soil conditioner, diverting materials from landfill.
Why is the City of Rockingham moving to FOGO?
The less we send to landfill, the better for our natural environment. We are joining 19 other local governments that have moved to the FOGO program under the State Government's commitment to have all local governments in the Perth and Peel regions on FOGO by 2025.
When will FOGO collection start in Rockingham?
Mid-2025.
Nothing until the middle of 2025.
Can I opt out of the FOGO program?
No, once rolled out, the FOGO collection will become the standard collection service within our City.
How will the FOGO system work?
You will be provided with an indoor kitchen caddy (5-8 litres capacity) and certified compostable caddie liners (AS 4736-2006) that you can put your food waste in. When the liner is full, simply take it out of the caddy and pop it in your green bin. This will be collected during a weekly kerbside collection and taken to a waste management facility where it will be repurposed into compost, garden mulch and soil conditioner.
Can I get an extra red bin?
Yes, an additional annual fee will apply for residents who want an extra red bin. It’s currently $224 per annum as at 2024/2025.
I live in a high-rise/apartment building. Will I be getting a FOGO caddy?
Not initially, as high-rise apartment buildings have minimal green/garden space there is not currently an organic waste bin collection service for this type of accommodation/residence. If it is possible for the high-rise/apartment building to implement the FOGO service then a caddy will be provided.
How will I get my FOGO kitchen caddy?
It will be delivered to your house before FOGO collection starts in mid-2025.
What will change with my bin collection?
Food waste makes up approximately 50 per cent of our general waste. As this will now be combined with our garden waste, we’re making some changes to what bin is collected, and when. Here’s the breakdown:
- 240 litre FOGO Bin (green lid) collected weekly.
- 140 litre General Waste Bin (red lid) collected fortnightly.
- 360 litre Recycling Bin (yellow lid) collected fortnightly.
Your collection day may also change, check Near Me and enter your address for your most up to date waste collection information.
Why is my general waste only being collected fortnightly under FOGO?
Making the most of your FOGO bin means you put less in your general waste bin.
Will the waste charges on my annual rates change in 2025/2026 with the introduction of FOGO?
Yes. There will be some changes to waste fees to accommodate the new FOGO service and these will be updated on the City’s website by the beginning of the 2025/2026 financial year.
When we start FOGO in mid 2025, the number of total bin collections from your property over a two-week period will remain the same. We’ll still be visiting you to collect your bins four times over the fortnight:
- 240 litre FOGO Bin (green lid) collected weekly
- 140 litre General Waste Bin (red lid) collected fortnightly
- 360 litre Recycling Bin (yellow lid) collected fortnightly.
When will we be notified of the change of waste management fees with the new FOGO service commencing in 2025/2026?
The City’s waste management fees, which are included in your annual rates notice, will be modified according to the introduction of FOGO and will be updated on the City’s website by the beginning of financial year 2025/2026. Your property’s charges will also appear on your 2025/2026 rates notice.