As part of a Western Australian Government State-wide transition to a more consistent approach to household waste sorting changes have been made to what can be placed in the Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) bins.
The gradual transition aims to simplify waste sorting across Western Australia, reduce contamination and produce cleaner, higher-quality compost that can be safely returned to parks, gardens and agricultural land.
Under the updated guidance, only food organics, garden organics and approved FOGO kitchen caddy liners should be placed in the lime-green FOGO bin.
Items that were previously accepted in some FOGO systems, including dog poo, food-soiled pizza boxes and tissues, should now be placed in the general waste (red-lidded) bin. Clean paper and cardboard packaging can go in the yellow-lidded recycling bin.
City of Melville Mayor Katy Mair said the State-led changes were being rolled out to create a more consistent approach what can be placed in the Food Organics, Garden Organics (FOGO) lime-green bins, reduced contamination and helped create cleaner, higher-quality compost.
"By adopting a consistent approach across Western Australia, we can reduce contamination and create cleaner, higher-quality compost that can be safely returned to our parks, gardens and agricultural land."
Mayor Mair said the consistent State-wide approach would also make it easier for residents to know what belongs in each bin.
"Having one clear set of guidelines across the State helps remove confusion and gives residents confidence they are sorting their waste correctly. Small changes at home can make a big difference to the quality of the compost we create together."
The City acknowledges the changes may result in some households placing a little more material into their general waste and recycling bins.
"We understand some households may notice a small increase in the amount of general waste and recycling they produce," Mayor Mair said.
"The City is not currently considering any changes to bin collection frequency or size of the bins but encourages residents who are facing issues with these changes to check the City's website or contact the City directly.
"For residents who need extra capacity, a larger general waste and recycling bin is available on application for an additional annual fee. We encourage households to continue making the most of their FOGO and recycling bins so only genuine general waste ends up in the red bin."
In the coming months the City will be rolling out a grass roots re-education campaign on what goes in what bin and correct sorting behaviours to give residents the correct tools and information to make the right choices when sorting their waste. This campaign aims to increase recovery rates, reduce contamination, improves FOGO compost and works toward meeting State waste diversion and recovery rates.
For more information about the State-wide changes, visit the Waste Authority's Towards Cleaner Compost webpage.