No dog poo or tea bags in surprise change to WA FOGO bin rules
The WA waste authority has quietly changed the rules on what can go in green-lidded bins in a move councils say is likely to confuse many people still adapting to the new system.
The government of Western Australia has revised the rules for what can be disposed of in green FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bins, excluding certain items that were previously permitted. The change, which was quietly updated online on July 10, aims to improve the quality of compost produced through FOGO collections. According to Mark Irwin, president of the WA Local Government Association and mayor of Perth's largest council, the City of Stirling, the modifications are necessary to ensure that waste streams remain pure, preventing contamination that could hinder recycling efforts.
Items such as pet waste, tea bags, paper towels, and used pizza boxes are no longer acceptable for the green bins. The rule changes have raised concerns among local councils, which have faced resistance from residents regarding the reduced frequency of general waste collection. Irwin emphasized the importance of a comprehensive communication strategy from the state government to facilitate the smooth implementation of these changes and to alleviate community confusion.
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