This guidance document has been developed by WMRR to assist local governments in planning and implementing food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection systems in line with state and national policy requirements.
The document covers: the policy context for FOGO rollout across jurisdictions; collection system design options including bin configuration, frequency, and vehicle requirements; processing pathways including in-vessel composting, anaerobic digestion, and open windrow composting; end product quality standards and market development; contamination management and community education strategies; and cost modelling considerations.
WMRR notes that organics diversion from landfill is one of the most significant opportunities available to reduce municipal waste sector emissions. Food waste in landfill generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. FOGO systems, when well-designed and supported by appropriate processing infrastructure, can recover valuable nutrients and soil amendments while reducing landfill volumes and emissions.
This document is intended as a practical resource for council officers, waste planners, and procurement teams undertaking FOGO planning and procurement processes.