Southern Grampians Shire Council Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside service will move to a weekly collection for residents this week as we head into Spring.
Starting from 1 September 2021, the weekly collection will help Southern Grampians residents to keep up with the abundance of spring growth and extra grass clippings that the warmer months produce in our gardens.
Local business owner Linda, from Gray Street Flowers in Hamilton, joined the FOGO collection service during the initial trial back in 2014 and has been committed to the FOGO program ever since.
“I love that our organic waste is transformed into high quality fertiliser that can be used to grow more flowers. It’s a great example of a true circular economy,” Linda said.
“Growing up in Melbourne with parents who were environmentally conscious, I was raised composting and recycling everything, which deeply instilled my passion for the environment from quite a young age.”
Southern Grampians Shire Council Environment & Waste Team Leader Kylie McIntyre said Linda’s commitment to using FOGO for the disposal of green waste is a perfect example of how everyone can play their part in creating a more sustainable future. The simple act of separating organics from waste makes a significant impact over time because it reduces the emission of greenhouse gases from landfill.
“By filling two FOGO bins each fortnight over the course of a year, Linda will divert approximately 2.5 tonnes of organic waste from entering landfill. By moving to a weekly service during the warmer spring months, we as a region can successfully reduce the amount of compostable green waste contaminating the landfill.
“If you are a local resident or business and would like to know more about how you can make the most of the FOGO service, check out the Council website as we have a number of helpful resources available. Or get in touch with us – we would be happy to answer any questions you may have,” Ms McIntyre concluded.
FOGO waste from Southern Grampians is transported to Camperdown where it is composted and used as a fertiliser and soil improver on farms. FOGO bins are not only great for garden and grass clippings but also for all food waste including bones, eggshells, tea bags and tea leaves, seafood shells, coffee grounds as well as pet fur and pet droppings.
For a full list of FOGO friendly items and for property kerbside collection dates, visit www.sthgrampians.vic.gov.au/FOGO.
Collection services for general waste and recycling will remain as per their usual collection cycle and will not be impacted by the extra FOGO collection.