Ewen McRae
Melton residents can now do even more to help the environment, with a new initiative in kerbside bins helping to reduce waste.
This week marks the start of Melton council’s FOGO (Food Organics. Garden Organics) initiative, which allows residents to dispose of food and garden waste in green bins for kerbside collection.
Under FOGO, loose (not bagged) fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, meat, bones, offcuts and leftovers will all be accepted into the green bin, in addition to the already accepted garden waste such as grass clippings, branches and weeds.
It is hoped that household waste sent to landfill will be halved under this plan.
Melton mayor Lara Carli encouraged residents to start using their green bin for food scraps and to order a green bin if needed.
“Diverting household food scraps from landfill will help halve the amount of waste we send to landfill. This will have a positive and lasting impact on the environment,” she said.
“Simply throwing our food scraps and garden clippings into the green bin is an easy step towards a greener future.
“We’ll not only be reducing greenhouse gas emissions and relieving pressure on landfill space, we’ll also be helping to create compost that gives back to the earth.”
Food scraps in plastic bags will not be accepted, so residents must ensure that any food waste is loose in the bin.
Households with green bins can apply for a free kitchen caddy (limited supply) from July 1, while those without a green bin can call council to order one.
Ewen McRae
