After nearly two years, the Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) trial will come to an end with results set to shape a regional roll out of the initiative in the future.
Local selected households received a bin and took part in the trial, which saw a total of 282 tonnes of organic waste diverted from landfill from 2021 – 2022.
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham says the trial, which will conclude soon, has provided incredible insight into organics management.
“Our FOGO champions involved in this trial have done a fantastic job and their active participation and dedication is greatly appreciated,” he says.
“The wealth of data collected during this period has been invaluable and through thorough evaluation we have been able to assess the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of a kerbside organics service.
“The implementation of a widespread regional organics collection service is a complex undertaking and at this point in time, we need to carefully balance the environmental benefits and affordability.
“Although we had hoped to roll this service out to our Rockhampton region community by 1 July 2024, our primary focus continues to be providing a final recommendation and delivering a robust organics business case that is further supported by the State Government.
“A well-developed business case is an important factor in this rollout and Council will continue advocating for support at both the state and federal level to ensure any financial impacts to residents are kept to a minimum.
“We strongly encourage our FOGO champions and wider community to continue exploring alternative ways to manage your organic waste, as we journey towards a zero waste future together.”
FOGO trial participants will be notified this week of their bin changeover date and final FOGO collection.
The trial will conclude on 31 August 2023.
