Remember, if it didn’t grow, it doesn’t go in your FOGO bin.
If it didn’t grow, it doesn’t go- that’s the rule for the food and garden organics bin.
Council has a fortnightly FOGO kerbside collection service (previously called the green waste service). FOGO helps residents to recycle their food scraps along with garden waste in the one bin.
Did you know that 36% of the waste that’s currently thrown out in Mount Gambier’s general waste bins is food? Another 9% is garden organics. That’s 45% of material that could all be composted instead, reducing the impact on the environment, and saving the community money.
The FOGO service is already included in the Waste Service Charge identified on your rates notice - all you need to do is purchase a 240L FOGO bin from Council for a one off fee of $85.00 and we'll deliver it for free, including a free kitchen caddy and roll of compostable bags to help get you on your way to diverting food scraps direct from the kitchen bench.
Get your FOGO bin now - contact Council on 8721 2555, email city@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or simply complete the form below and we'll contact you to arrange payment for your new bin.
Overripe, rotting or decayed fruit and vegetables can attract small vinegar flies and other insects to your kitchen caddy and green bin. In addition to the above, the following tips can further prevent insects and rodents from becoming a problem:
Composting green organics is great for our environment. Most of the greenhouse gas emissions from landfill come from decomposing organic material which could be recycled through the green bin. Not only do green organics produce methane as they decompose, but their nutrients remain locked in landfill and can’t be used again to grow plants and food. Compost can be used in gardens as a soil conditioner and slow release fertiliser. Compost can be used to fertilise gardens, farms and sporting fields and the mulch can be used to protect against weeds, reduce plant stress and save water in gardens, parks, orchards and vineyards.
Composting and mulching food and garden organics is 85% cheaper than sending them to landfill. If we reduce the amount of material sent to landfill then councils can pass on these savings to residents and invest in other community services.
Residents who are subscribed to the green waste/FOGO (food organics, garden organics) service are encouraged to place food scraps into their green organics bin. This food can be thrown directly into the bin or placed in a kitchen caddy. Each household that opts into the FOGO service will receive a free kitchen caddy and compostable kitchen caddy bags to encourage greater diversion of food waste from landfill.
Rolls of compostable kitchen caddy bags are available at most major supermarkets including Woolworths and Coles and hardware stores or online. Bags must be labelled compostable, not biodegradable.
Keep your kitchen caddy and green bin smelling sweet…even in the heat!
Download the My Local Services app on your smartphone for up-to-date information and events. You can see when Council payments are due, set bin reminders, and get handy recycling tips.
Implementation of the My Local Services App is part of the City of Mount Gambier improving its customer service delivery on a mobile platform.
The FREE app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android. Search "My Local Services" in the App Store or the Play Store, or click your platform below:
Download on the Apple app store here
Download on Google Play here