Current situation
- Sorell Council introduced a mandatory FOGO (Food Organics, Garden Organics) waste bin service, requiring all eligible households to participate rather than providing residents with a choice.
- There has been limited community engagement specifically about FOGO. While Council undertook a waste survey in 2021, it did not include questions about what a FOGO service should look like, whether residents supported a mandatory model, or whether households preferred an opt-in or opt-out approach.
- Many residents have expressed frustration that they were required to participate in the service without a meaningful opportunity to provide feedback or influence the decision.
- The State Government has introduced a landfill levy of $70.56 per tonne as of the 1st July 2026, increasing pressure on councils to reduce landfill waste and improve waste diversion outcomes.
- The introduction of FOGO is a significant change to a core household service and should be regularly reviewed to ensure it is meeting community expectations and delivering value for money.
The issue
- Residents feel they have not had a genuine say in the introduction and operation of the FOGO service.
- The concerns raised by residents reflect a broader issue of trust and transparency, with some feeling that important decisions affecting households are being made without adequate community involvement.
- A mandatory FOGO system may not suit all residents, including households with limited garden waste, those who already compost, or those who do not believe the service provides value for their circumstances.
- Council needs to ensure environmental goals are balanced with affordability, choice and community confidence.
- Without reviewing participation rates, costs, environmental outcomes and resident feedback, Council cannot determine whether the current mandatory model remains the best approach.
My plan
- Undertake a full review of the current FOGO service, including:
- Participation and usage rates across the municipality.
- Costs to residents and Council.
- Waste diversion outcomes and landfill reduction achieved.
- Contamination rates and operational challenges.
- Community satisfaction and feedback.
- Conduct genuine community consultation specifically on FOGO, including:
- A dedicated resident survey about the current service and preferred future model.
- Community information sessions to allow residents to ask questions and provide feedback.
- Transparent reporting of consultation outcomes.
- Aim to introduce an opt-out FOGO system for the 2026/27 financial year, allowing residents who do not wish to participate to request removal of the FOGO service and the charge removed from their rates.
- Ensure future changes to waste services involve early and meaningful community engagement before decisions are finalised.
- Provide transparent information about the impact of the State Government landfill levy and how waste costs are managed through Council’s budget.
The benefits
- Gives residents a genuine choice over a household service that directly affects their rates and property.
- Rebuilds trust by ensuring residents are listened to and involved in decisions that affect them.
- Maintains the environmental benefits of FOGO while recognising that one approach may not suit every household.
- Improves transparency around Council decision-making and waste management costs.
- Ensures Council’s waste services are delivering value for money for the community.
- Encourages greater community confidence and participation in future sustainability initiatives.