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Keep your FOGO bin fresh this Summer

Published on 20 December 2023

A person is putting their food waste into their FOGO bin

FOGO bins have been very busy in 2023. During May, after the service was introduced, we collected an additional 230 tonnes of food and garden waste, when compared to the same time last year. This trend is increasing, with an average of 266 additional tonnes of organics collected per month.

Thank you to the Maroondah households who have helped to ensure valuable organic material can be composted and used by Victorian farmers.

How to keep your bin fresh

This Summer, there are some easy ways you can keep your bin clean and fresh.

During the week, collect your food waste in your Council-supplied compostable liners. This will help contain the food waste in your FOGO bin and prevent food waste from sticking to the sides of your bin. Store your meat and dairy scraps in a container in the freezer. Empty these into your FOGO bin the night before your bin gets collected.

Place a layer of garden waste (e.g. dried grass or leaves) at the bottom of your FOGO bin first. This will help absorb any liquids and prevent any food waste from sticking to the bottom of your bin. Then, layer as you go and end with a layer of garden waste on top. Make sure you can still close your bin lid.

Once your FOGO bin has been emptied, wash your FOGO bin out with a garden hose. This will help to loosen or remove any debris.

Sprinkle some bi-carb soda in the bottom of the bin to help absorb any odours. Between fortnightly bin collections, store your FOGO bin in a shaded area with the lid closed.