Check your compostable bags

cartoon of two hands dropping two different bags into a kerbside bin with the words

Make sure the food scraps you put in your green-lidded FOGO bin can be composted by only using AS 4736-certified compostable bags. Other bags won't break down correctly and will result in microplastics contaminating the compost.

Using a compostable bag to collect your food scraps is optional. A sheet of paper towel in the bottom of your collection container, or quick rinse after emptying will work just as well.

If you are using compostable bags, check they are 100% compostable corn-starch bags that are AS 4736 certified. Do not use plastic bags, or bags labelled as degradable, biodegradable, or less than 100% corn starch as they do not fully break down.

Residents can pick up free rolls* of AS 4736-certified compostable bags from the following locations:

  • Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea transfer stations
  • Lorne Visitor Information Centre
  • Torquay Visitor Information Centre
  • Torquay residential drop-off (130 Messmate Road).

Here's a few tips for using your green-lidded FOGO bin correctly:

  • Only food scraps, garden clippings and pruning belong in your FOGO bin.
  • If using a compostable bag, leave it untied because the knots don’t break down as quickly in the composting process.
  • Keep teabags, coffee pods and biodegradable plastic packaging out of your green bin.
  • Do not put paper or cardboard in your FOGO bin. Clean paper and unwaxed cardboard goes in your recycling bin.

By using your food and garden organics bin correctly, you help make high-quality mulch and compost for use on farms. This helps improve air quality and grow the crops that feed us all.

Small actions like correctly using your FOGO bin can make a big impact.

*Limit of one roll (150 bags) per visit.

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