FOGO findings key to region-wide roll out
Published on 07 February 2023
Rockhampton Regional Council has today endorsed a report evaluating the Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) trial which wrapped up in September 2022.
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said the findings in this report are fundamental to developing an organics business case to determine what is needed for a community-wide roll out of the service.
“Evaluating the FOGO trial is a really important step for us to move forward to develop the business case,” Cr Latcham said.
“Through this evaluation we have been able to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of a kerbside organics service and how it would perform when rolled out across the whole of the Rockhampton region.
“A community wide kerbside organics service is estimated to have the potential to divert over 8,500 tonnes per annum of organic materials currently going to landfill via the general waste bin.
“That’s around a 50% reduction - which is impressive as we work our way toward our goal of zero waste, or 90% being diverted from landfill.
“Throughout the trial we were very pleased at how the community adapted to the service and we are hoping that with the right support, the rest of the community will adapt just as well, if not even better!
“The findings and lessons learned in this report will be used to inform a business case which will give us a better understanding of the costs and associated with a community-wide roll out.”
Councillor Latcham said that while Council develops the business case, further discussions with other levels of government will be taking place to highlight how our region is supporting state and federal goals and opportunities to partner together.
“We have demonstrated time and again that great things can happen when all levels of government work together, and a community-wide roll out of FOGO service is key to the shared goal of achieving zero waste.”
The Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) trial was proudly supported by the Queensland Government.
For more information on FOGO and the move to Zero Waste visit: https://www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/CouncilServices/Rockhampton-Regional-Waste-and-Recycling/FOGO-and-the-move-to-Zero-Waste-by-2050