Why can’t we introduce a FOGO service sooner?
The Victorian Government has led four local government group procurements for composting of household food and garden waste. The eastern region group of Councils, of which Maroondah is a member, is the latest group to go through this process.
This is the biggest change our residents will have to their kerbside service in many years, so as we approach the start date, we are taking the time to engage and inform our community, ready for when the new service begins.
I do not have a garden organics bin, will these changes still affect me?
If your property is serviced by a private waste collection contractor, these changes will not affect you.
Speak to your owners corporation or landlord to discuss your options for recycling food waste. If you would like to start composting at home, visit the Compost Revolution webpage to receive up to 60 per cent off the price of a range of home composting systems.
If you have a Council-provided waste service, but do not currently have a garden organics bin, please contact Council on 1300 88 22 33 to check if you’re eligible.
When will I be able to add food scraps to my garden organics bin?
From May 2023, Maroondah households with an existing residential waste collection service will be able to recycle food scraps, together with garden organics. Please do not add your food into your garden organics bin until this date.
What types of food waste will I be able to place in my food and garden organics bin?
In addition to your garden waste, you will be able to place the following types of food waste in your food and garden organics bin:
- fruit and vegetable scraps including garlic, onion and citrus
- leftovers and plate scrapings
- rice, grains, cereals and bread
- meat, seafood, poultry and bones (raw and cooked)
- dairy products and eggshells
- tea leaves and coffee grounds
- mouldy or expired foods
- pastries, cakes and deserts
An extensive list of what can and cannot go in the food and garden organics bin will be made available early in 2023.
For more information on what items are currently accepted in your garden organics bin, visit the
Please do not begin adding any food waste to your garden organics bin until the new service launches in May 2023.
What will happen to my food and garden waste?
Currently, your garden waste is turned into a high-quality compost, used by Victorian farmers to help grow our food. Adding food scraps to the garden bin not only reduces the amount of garbage sent to landfill, but also improves the quality of the finished compost material.
Organic waste collected in FOGO bins is processed to create nutrient-rich compost for use on Victorian farms, parks and gardens. You can view videos to see some of the examples of how your compost is used on the Back to Earth Initiative YouTube channel.
Will my rates or waste charge go up to pay for this new service?
No. Waste services in Maroondah are charged as a waste service fee, which is separate to your rates. The residential waste service fee includes a 120L or 80L garbage bin, 240 litre recycling bin and a 240 litre garden waste bin and two hard waste collections. You will not receive an additional charge on your rates for this service.
You might find that you have more room in your garbage bin when you start putting food waste in your FOGO bin and decide to downgrade to the smaller 80L bin. Doing so will reduce your waste service fee by approx. $66 per annum.
Can I get money back on my waste charge/rates if I don’t use the service?
The cost of processing organic waste is the same regardless of the type of materials you do or do not place in your FOGO bin. Therefore, it isn’t possible to provide variable charges based on the type of waste. Council provides a universal waste service, so all households who pay a waste services fee will have the full suite of bins. The Victorian Government will also be putting into legislation that all Victorian households must use a food organics service by 2030.