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Waste Survey Results

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A recent survey has shown the 3-Bin Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) trial to be producing some of the best results in the country.

Authorised by the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC) and conducted by independent research company Catalyse. The FOGO survey was mailed to all households participating in the trial and was well responded with 1,952 (30%) of residents providing valuable feedback.

A wider survey was mailed to 5,000 random selected residents across the Cities of Melville, Cockburn, Kwinana, Fremantle and the Town of East Fremantle, and 1,000 hard copy surveys were distributed to each of the five SMRC Councils. 826 residents completed the survey.

Download the full survey report here

FOGO Survey Key Results

The findings showed strong support towards the new system with: 

  • 79% of respondents wanting the 3-bin FOGO system to continue
  • 94% of respondents rating weekly FOGO collections positively 
  • 87% of respondents rating fortnightly recycling collections positively 
  • 69% of respondents rating fortnightly general waste collections positively 
  • 80% of respondents satisfied that they received the right amount of information about the new system 

 

Key Themes for Keeping FOGO

With nearly 80% of residents wanting the trial to continue the main reasons for keeping the 3-Bin FOGO system included:

  • Reducing amount of waste that goes to landfil
  • Helps to increase recycling
  • Converts more waste to compost
  • Protects the environment

Waste Disposal Choices

Trial participants are making good choices for their waste disposal, with over 90% correctly using the FOGO lime green topped bin, however recycling and general waste choices could be improved.

Top FOGO Waste Choice Myth Busters

  • No plastic, glass or metal in the FOGO bin, only natural stuff !
  • Don’t bag your recycling, place items loosely in the bin
  • Nappies go in the general rubbish bin not the FOGO or Recycling bins.
  • Rinse or scrape containers before placing them in the recycling bins

 

Suggested FOGO Improvements

Residents were also asked to make suggestions as to how the system could be improved, and between 10-22% of respondents suggested improvements. These included:

  • investigating the size and collection frequency of the red and yellow bins,
  • odour management; and
  • sourcing more robust compostable caddy liners.

Many of these issues highlighted by residents are being addressed on an ongoing basis rather than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. To date, more than 17% of residents have already opted for a larger 360L recycling bin and approximately half of the 4% of households who requested additional capacity have been provided with more room following a needs assessment. Alternative compostable bags have been sourced with many residents now reporting improvements in the strength and durability of the bags.

Kitchen Caddy and Liners

Small containers (kitchen caddy) and compostible bin linners where provided to each household at the start of the trial. 87% of surveyed residents rated them positively, however those in townhouses were less likely to rate them positively with a 66% postive rating.

Compostable kitchen caddy liners were positively assessed with 80% liking them. Other feedback included having more robust liners which are currently being sourced.

General Waste Feedback from Non FOGO trial residents

There is also strong support from those not in the trial areas, with 74% of all residents who took part in a survey across all five SMRC member councils expressing a desire for a third bin for FOGO waste. There is even stronger support in Melville with 78% wanting a FOGO bin.

Support for the FOGO system is greater amount young adults, those renting, females and households with children. 

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