Townsville residents may soon receive a third wheelie bin as part of a proposed trial collection service aimed at diverting food and garden waste from landfill. The Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) system, already implemented in other councils across Victoria and South Australia, is now under consideration by Townsville City Council.
A recent bin audit by the council revealed that kerbside bins contain an average of over 18% food organics and more than 27% garden organics, meaning over 45% of bin contents is organic waste. Mayor Jenny Hill noted that further consideration is needed regarding bins, trucks, and staff time. Councillors are set to discuss the proposal and potential funding during upcoming budget discussions.
Under the FOGO trial, residents would also receive a bench-top caddy bin for kitchen food scraps. James Cook University sustainability expert Breda McCarthy emphasized the importance of convenience, stating that making the behavior easy to perform is critical. She also highlighted the need for community education and engagement to ensure support and awareness of the program's value.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2018-19 shows that 15.3 million tonnes of organic waste were generated nationally, with households contributing 6.4 million tonnes, 45% of which went to landfill. Dr. McCarthy noted that most people underestimate their waste output, and that food waste occurs predominantly in households. Organic waste in landfill also produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Mayor Hill said the FOGO system could help separate waste and divert organics for uses such as mulch or anaerobic digestion. The council will continue to explore the proposal, with further discussions expected in upcoming budget meetings.
