Households across Western Australia are being asked to change what they place in their food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bins, as councils begin rolling out new statewide waste-sorting rules.
The updated guidelines, developed by the WA Local Government Association (WALGA), local governments, waste industry representatives and the State Government, aim to make FOGO sorting simpler by limiting accepted items to food scraps, garden waste and certified compostable caddy liners displaying the AS 4736 seedling logo.
The changes took effect from the start of the new financial year, meaning items previously accepted in some FOGO bins — including tea bags, tissues, paper towels, pet waste and compostable takeaway packaging — must now be placed in general waste bins.
Authorities said the change would not affect bin sizes, collection schedules or how FOGO services operate.
A Department of Water and Environmental Regulation spokesperson said the revised approach was designed to reduce confusion among residents.
“FOGO works best when households keep it simple by putting food scraps and garden waste in the bin,” the spokesperson said.
The department said households would still be able to divert most kitchen and garden organic waste away from landfill, where it could be processed into compost.
However, the changes have sparked mixed reactions among some residents, with concerns raised about smaller general waste bins and potential odour issues.
The City of Belmont’s decision to share the update online prompted debate, with some residents questioning how households would manage additional waste placed in red-lidded general waste bins collected fortnightly.
One resident said the changes could lead to unpleasant smells from items such as pet waste waiting for collection, while another raised concerns about capacity for larger families.
City of Belmont chief executive John Christie said the changes followed collaboration between governments, councils and waste processors to improve compost quality and provide clearer instructions for residents.
“The aim of the changes is to improve compost quality and provide more clarity for residents on what can go in a FOGO bin,” he said.
Mr Christie said the introduction of FOGO in Belmont had already improved waste outcomes, with the city’s material recovery rate more than doubling since the service began in 2024.
The city will launch further education campaigns to help residents adjust to the updated rules.
Belmont residents who need more general waste capacity can upgrade their bin for $88 a year, with some exemptions available on medical or compassionate grounds.
Other councils have also confirmed their services will continue unchanged.
Bayswater Mayor Filomena Piffaretti said residents were being informed about the updated requirements and there would be no changes to the city’s red bin service.
The City of Perth said it had already adopted the revised FOGO accepted item list when its program began earlier this year, meaning residents would not experience any changes.
Town of Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon said the new rules would help address confusion caused by different processors previously accepting different materials.
“Different FOGO processors have historically accepted slightly different materials, and the vast amount of information available online can make it difficult to know which guidance to follow,” she said.
Ms Vernon said standardising accepted materials across WA would provide clearer guidance for households.
The town will continue its waste education efforts after previously running a bin inspection program, which used smiley-face tags and community prizes to encourage correct sorting.
She said maintaining larger general waste bins had helped residents transition to FOGO and confirmed there were no planned changes to collection services.
WALGA said the transition to the new system would continue gradually as councils reviewed their waste services and educated communities.
The organisation has also called on the State Government to direct funds from the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Levy towards waste management initiatives, including FOGO implementation and support.
