In line with council’s new Resource Recovery Strategy the Green Waste Service is changing in name to Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO).
Council is offering all Ipswich residents a high-value, convenient food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection service, turning waste such as grass clippings, prunings, leaves, fruits and vegetables, and meat and dairy leftovers into compost. This nutrient rich compost can then be used in green spaces in Ipswich and to grow more food.
When commencing a new FOGO service, residents will receive a FOGO bin with a lime green lid from Ipswich Waste Services. The organic material from this bin will be collected from your home on a fortnightly basis and then mulched and turned into compost at a local composting facility.
This is a great environmental outcome for the City of Ipswich.
Currently, residents can opt to have a 240-litre FOGO wheelie bin.
Cost of service
For services commenced by property owners/managing agents:
- 240-litre FOGO service - $20.00 per quarter
There are no further charges for this service. Charges will appear on the rates account and the billing will start when the collection service commences. Property owners/managing agents must commit to the service for a minimum of 12 months from service commencement - after this time, the service can be cancelled at any time.
How to apply for a FOGO service
- Homeowners
If you are interested in applying for a FOGO service, please submit your service request online via MyIpswich or contact Council on (07) 3810 6666. - Tenants
Contact Council on (07) 3810 6666 to arrange payment for the service. - Units/townhouses
The building manager or body corporate of the units/townhouses can submit the FOGO service request online via MyIpswich or contact Council on (07) 3810 6666.
FOGO bin service schedule
The service is offered on a fortnightly basis using 240-litre mobile FOGO bins with a lime green lid. Service days are the same day as the residents’ normal general waste collection service, and on the alternate week to the recycling service. The FOGO bin must be correctly placed at kerbside in the same manner as the general waste and recycling bins.
Items suitable for FOGO waste bins
Acceptable items:
- prunings and grass clippings
- shrubs
- weeds
- leaves and loose bark
- raw and cooked fruit and vegetable scraps
- egg shells
- coffee grounds
- bread
- meat scraps and bones
- dairy products
Note: materials must be placed loose in the bin and NOT in plastic bags or boxes.
Unacceptable items:
- No plastic bags
- No general waste or recycling
- No stones, concrete or masonry
- No large logs, branches and stumps that that may make the bin too heavy to service
FOGO resources
FOGO FAQs
If you can't find the answer to your questions on this page, contact Council on (07) 3810 6666.
I currently rent property in Ipswich - can I apply for a FOGO bin?
Yes - contact Council on (07) 3810 6666 to arrange payment for the service.
Can I continue to put food and garden waste in my general waste (red) bin?
Although there is nothing stopping you from putting food and garden waste into your general waste (red) bin, it is then classed as general waste and all ends up at landfill. If you opt to sign up for a FOGO service, your food and garden waste will instead be turned into compost.This is better news for the environment and gives you more space in your general waste (red) bin.
What's the difference between FOGO, general waste and recycling bins?
The FOGO bin has been designed for the collection of food and garden waste. Your FOGO bin will have a lime green lid, differentiating it from your existing general waste and recycling bins. Your FOGO bin has air vents in the lid that allows oxygen to move freely though the bin, aiding evaporation and assisting in the decomposition process. This design helps to minimise odours and provides an adverse environment for insects.
Will my FOGO bin smell?
The FOGO bins are designed for the effective management of waste using natural aeration. The air vents and in the lid help to keep air circulating around the waste material, reducing any odour.
What if I no longer require the FOGO collection service?
If you have a rated FOGO service (i.e.: are a property owner or managing agent: Once the FOGO service commences, you are committed to the service for 12 months. If, after the 12 months have elapsed, you decide you no longer require the FOGO service, you can cancel at any time by contacting Council.
If you have a pre-paid FOGO service (i.e.: are a tenant): No refunds will be provided once payment has been made for the service. If you decide you no longer require the FOGO service, contact Council to arrange for your bin to be removed.
If I move house, what will happen to my FOGO service?
If you move house, please contact Council to have the FOGO bin removed and, if relevant, the charges taken off the rates. You can then apply to Council to have another FOGO bin delivered to your new property.
Can I have more than one FOGO bin?
Yes, you can contact Council to arrange for an additional FOGO bin. However, you will need to ensure that there is enough space for you to store the bin at your property and that there is room at the front of your property for the additional bin to be placed at kerbside for servicing.
Standard charges apply for each FOGO service you commence. The service day will remain fortnightly on the alternate week to your recycling collection day.
What if I have too much garden material for my FOGO bin?
If your FOGO bin is too full or too heavy, it may not be serviced. You can continue to take garden waste to the Riverview and Rosewood Recycling and Refuse Centres, where it will be mulched and turned into compost. Alternatively, you can apply for an additional FOGO bin.
Why has my FOGO bin not been serviced?
Your FOGO bin will not be serviced if it is too heavy or has the wrong materials inside. It is essential that only accepted materials go into the FOGO bin. Items such as plastic bags, boxes, general waste, soil, etc. will contaminate food and garden waste making it unsuitable for composting purposes. If FOGO bins continue to be contaminated, the bin may be removed from the property.
How can I stop vinegar flies or ants in my kitchen compost bucket?
Try an airtight bucket or store the container in the fridge.
How can I stop fruit and vegetable waste sticking to the sides of my FOGO bin?
There are a number of solutions:
- Always ensure some garden waste is placed in the bin before adding the fruit and vegetable scraps - this way the scraps get buried among the garden waste and don't stick to the sides of the bin.