FOGO rollout paused in City of Swan

The City of Swan in Western Australia has paused the rollout of food organics garden organics (FOGO) collections in response to community feedback.

Some residents who have moved to the three-bin kerbside collection system – particularly those with large families or medical conditions – have reported challenges with the smaller red-lid general waste bin.

At a meeting on April 9 the council paused the service and passed a motion for further community consultation and a review of the service. A report is expected to be tabled at the council’s August meeting.

Options to be considered include continuing the rollout of FOGO collections to all properties as is, introduce an amended version of FOGO collections with an upsized general waste bin, change FOGO to a GO (garden organics) service and collect the general waste bin weekly, instead of fortnightly or exclude rural properties from the FOGO service.

Tanya Richardson, Mayor of City of Swan said the review allows residents and ratepayers to share their experience with FOGO.

“Introducing FOGO to our waste services has been a positive experience for some and a negative experience for others,” said Richardson.

“We want to pause the rollout to gather feedback from those who have FOGO and those who are waiting for it.

“Council is committed to an outcome that helps our community get the waste services they need while balancing our responsibility to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.”

FOGO has been introduced to all or parts of the suburbs of Ballajura, Bennett Springs, Beechboro, Caversham, Dayton, Kiara, and Lockridge, and these areas will continue to have the service until the council decides on a way forward.

For more information, visit: www.swan.wa.gov.au/