EPA Statement on FOGO

The EPA has released a statement on inputs to food only (FO) and food and garden organics (FOGO) bins in response to calls for guidance on acceptable inputs.

The position statement formalises the EPA’s existing position on inputs to FO and FOGO waste streams and is consistent with the Resource Recovery Order and Exemption for compost.

The statement follows recent testing and research by the EPA into FOGO compost in NSW and is an evidence-based approach to limiting contamination in FO and FOGO streams. This will help to maintain the quality of compost produced from organic waste, protecting recycling markets and human health.

The Position Statement notes that only the following materials should be put in FO or FOGO bins:

• food and, for FOGO bins, garden organics
• compostable plastic kitchen caddy liners that comply with Australian Standards for commercial composting
• fibre-based kitchen caddy liners.

The EPA has called on councils to transition services to align with the above position statement as they are able, and advised that it will not be undertaking compliance during the transition period.

LGNSW and local government representatives on the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Group have sought funding support for those councils that are transitioning (noting some funds are available under the Scrap Together grants), and seeking the release of the research underpinning the statement for improved transparency.

Additional FOGO resources

BACK TO NEWS