Southern Grampians Shire Council is encouraging residents to use their green lid or FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bin for food waste instead of just garden waste.
A bin audit conducted by Barwon South West Waste Resource Recovery Group last year found that most people in Southern Grampians Shire were using their FOGO bins for garden waste only. On average, households are throwing away just over four kilograms of compostable material per week via their garbage bin.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor, Cr. Mary-Ann Brown said when residents place food and garden waste in the garbage bin, a valuable resource is lost.
“Organic waste doesn't compost in landfill. It breaks down without air and releases harmful greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. However when food waste is put into in the FOGO bin, it gets composted locally and returned to farm land to improve soil health. It saves Council on costs associated with landfill and prevents greenhouse gas emissions. FOGO bins are a win-win solution to organic waste so we’d really encourage everyone to get on board with it," Cr Brown said.
All food waste, including bones, egg shells, dairy products, baked goods, processed foods, fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, and mix meal scraps are able to be put into in the FOGO bin. Pet waste can also be included.
“People are sometinmes concerned about odour when placing food waste in the FOGO bin. To avoid this, especially during summer, place some dry leaves or grass on top of each load of food waste placed into the bin. Storing FOGO bins in the shade and storing smelly food items like fish scraps in the freezer until bin night will also help,” Cr Brown said.
For more information about the FOGO service including costs and application forms is available on the waste page of Council’s website www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au