Published 18 September 2026
Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) processing will recommence in Bunbury from early November 2026, ending nearly two years of organic material being directed to landfill.
At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 8 September 2026, Bunbury City Council authorised the execution of contracts for the transport and processing of FOGO material, following work to substantially reduce the cost of returning the service.
Commencement had initially been anticipated from 1 October. A short transition period is now underway with contractors to ensure arrangements are fully in place before processing begins.
When Council first considered the decision in June, the additional cost of processing FOGO compared with landfill was $695,000 per year. Through regional collaboration, contract negotiations and internal service reviews, that gap has been more than halved to $323,648 – a reduction of more than 50 per cent.
Bunbury Deputy Mayor Cheryl Kozisek said the outcome reflected a clear direction from Council and significant work by officers.
“Council asked our officers to go back and find every possible saving, and they’ve delivered – more than halving the gap,” Cr Kozisek said.
“Just as importantly, none of this cost has been passed on to our ratepayers. The savings have been found by reviewing and improving how our Waste Services operate, not by increasing rates or waste charges.”
The cost reductions were achieved through:
- Additional FOGO tonnages from the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, improving economies of scale.
- Negotiated reductions in transportation and contamination disposal costs.
- The cost has been managed within the City’s existing waste operations, with no impact on rates or waste charges.
Advocacy with the State Government for increased rebate funding remains ongoing.
Bunbury was the first Western Australian council to introduce FOGO in 2013, and Cr Kozisek said returning to processing reflected that longstanding commitment.
“Sending organic waste to landfill is cheaper today, but it costs us more tomorrow,’ she said.
“Landfill costs are rising, waste levies already apply in metropolitan areas, and grant funding for waste reduction depends on demonstrated commitment. Continuing FOGO reduces our long-term exposure. Beyond the economics, valuable organic material belongs back in our soils – not buried in the ground.”
Under the approved arrangement, FOGO material collected from Bunbury households will be consolidated locally at Cleanaway’s Banksia Road transfer facility before bulk transport to the Regional Resource Recovery Centre in Canning Vale for processing.
Following a competitive tender, Council authorised contracts with Cleanaway Pty Ltd for FOGO material assembly, aggregation and bulk transportation, and RE.CYCLE (Canning Vale) Pty Ltd for FOGO material processing.
Cr Kozisek said the inclusion of Augusta-Margaret River demonstrated the value of working regionally.
“Sharing transport with a neighbouring council has made this arrangement more viable for both communities,” she said.
“But transporting FOGO to Perth is the interim step, not the destination. A permanent regional processing facility in the South West remains our long-term goal – one that would cut transport costs and emissions, and turn our organic waste into quality compost for local agriculture. We’ll keep working with neighbouring councils to get there.”
Alongside FOGO’s return, there are changes to what can be placed in FOGO bins, in line with updated statewide guidance developed collaboratively by local governments, industry and the State Government, together with the requirements of the processing facility.
The focus of FOGO remains simple: food scraps and garden organics. A small number of items are no longer accepted, including animal droppings and food-soiled paper and cardboard packaging such as coffee cups and food-stained pizza boxes – which should now be placed in the general waste bin. Cardboard boxes and paper should be placed in the recycling bin.
“These are sector-wide requirements rather than City rules, and they exist so the material we collect can actually be turned into quality compost,” Cr Kozisek said.
“The City will be providing clear, practical information including updated bin stickers, fridge magnets and caddy stickers being available for residents.”
Residents are encouraged to keep FOGO bins free of contamination, as incorrect items increase costs and reduce the quality of the finished compost.
Full details, including an item-by-item guide and frequently asked questions, are available on the City’s website below.
