FOGO explainer: Bega Valley's organic processing service

FOGO will come into play across the Bega Valley from July 2018. There have been many questions raised since the council’s decision and announcement last week.

In an attempt to find answers we headed to the Merimbula organics processing facility this week to speak with BVSC landfill and organic waste coordinator Mick Yarra and Joley Vidau, waste management coordinator.

We were given an insight into the process from the dumping and collection of garden waste through to the nutrient-rich compost end product, which is then sold.

Below are some of the key points we learned that will hopefully answer some of the questions you have about FOGO.

On average, about 53 per cent by weight of waste sent to our landfill is organic based. Another estimated 17 per cent is recyclable material. Essentially, two-thirds of what is filling up the Central Waste Facility at Wolumla doesn’t need to be there.

From July 2018 the main change under the FOGO service will be around bin usage. Red bins will be collected only every second week and the yellow recycling on alternating fortnights. The green bin collection will become weekly.

For those who have a green bin service, as well as your garden clippings, all food waste from your kitchen will go into your green bin, via a kitchen caddy to be supplied by the council – that even includes meat, bones, paper scraps and paper towel.

Soft plastics including shopping bags, packaging, trays “that you can scrunch up and they pop back” can all be recycled via Redcycle – however the only collection point in the Bega Valley so far is at Coles Bega.

Red bins will still need to take nappies and other waste not otherwise able to be recycled or composted.

Joley says 35 NSW councils already use FOGO, including near neighbours in Cooma and Shellharbour, and “it absolutely works”. 

The council will embark on a comprehensive awareness and education campaign in the new year ahead of FOGO’s rollout in July. In the meantime, there is a dedicated page on the BVSC website with frequently asked questions and other details. As always, let us know here at the paper your thoughts as well.