Introduction of Food Organics and Garden Organics Bins in Hindmarsh

Published on 05 February 2026

Food and Garden Organics Bin FOGO.png

At the Council Meeting held on Wednesday 4 February 2026, a report was presented to Council on introducing a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside collection service for urban properties in Hindmarsh Shire.

The State Government has mandated that all Councils implement the four-bin system by 1 July 2027 under the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021. The intention is to reduce landfill waste and improve resource recovery, and Hindmarsh Shire Council, along with all Local Councils, are required to implement FOGO kerbside collection services in alignment with these objectives.

As a starting point to introducing this mandatory service to residents in the Shire, Council undertook a public consultation via a survey on its “Have Your Say Hindmarsh” website between 19 November 2025 and 17 December 2025. This survey provided the community with four collection frequency options to choose from for FOGO and general waste bins and asked them to choose their preferred option.

At the conclusion of the consultation period, there were 145 survey responses received with the results stating the following:

  • 9.7% preferred Option 1 (Weekly FOGO and Fortnightly General Waste Collection)
  • 57.9% preferred Option 2 (Fortnightly FOGO and Weekly General Waste Collection)
  • 14.5% preferred Option 3 (Fortnightly FOGO and Fortnightly General Waste Collection)
  • 17.9% preferred Option 4 (Weekly FOGO and Weekly General Waste Collection)

Analysis of the community feedback received indicated a clear preference of Option 2 – Fortnightly FOGO and Weekly General Waste Collection. This option received the highest level of support across all townships and demographic groups, particularly from families with young children, and households concerned about odour, hygiene, and waste volumes during warmer months.

Council unanimously moved a motion supporting the community’s preference and ‘approved implementation of Option 2 - Fortnightly FOGO / Weekly General Waste collection model for FOGO waste stream commencing at or before 1 July 2027.’

Please note that the current collection frequency of recyclable (yellow lid) and glass (purple lid) bins will remain the same.

Deputy Mayor, Cr Rosie Barker said “Community feedback played a vital role in guiding Council’s decision. We heard clearly from residents that supporting more sustainable waste management is a priority. We also listened closely to the concerns conveyed by young families, particularly regarding the importance of maintaining weekly waste collection. This input has directly shaped the direction we are taking with the FOGO introduction to our towns. I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their views - your voice genuinely makes a difference!”

What to expect
This is only the beginning of the process of rolling out FOGO bins in Hindmarsh. Council will continue to work with neighbouring Council’s to establish a local processing facility for the FOGO waste to be transported to. New green lidded bins will be purchased and more information about the roll out of the new service will be communicated with the community later in the year.

For more information, please contact Ram Upadhyaya, Director Infrastructure Services on 03 5391 4444, or by email at rupadhyaya@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer

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