We’re joining councils across the state by rolling out a Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) bin to all households in Stonnington. Currently, almost 50% of the average household rubbish bin comprises food and garden waste, which produces harmful greenhouse gases when sent to landfill. By collecting this organic waste separately, it can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost for use in agriculture and landscaping.
The roll out is also part of the Victorian Government’s transition to a consistent household waste and recycling system under the Recycling Victoria Policy and the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021.
More information about the FOGO rollout will be available in late 2025.
What's happening?
Standalone properties such as houses and townhouses currently receiving a Council kerbside service but without a current FOGO bin will receive a 120L bin. Participating households will receive a letter prior to the roll out.
Only properties that receive a Council waste service are eligible for a FOGO bin. If your property is serviced by a private collector, please contact your owners corporation.
The rollout
The rollout will take place in two stages.
If you believe that you should be part of the rollout and have not received a letter, please email FOGO@stonnington.vic.gov.au
Stage one - standalone properties
From late 2025, green-lidded 120L FOGO bins and caddies will be delivered across Stonnington to eligible standalone properties that do not currently have a FOGO bin, including houses and some townhouses. Eligible properties with a Council kerbside waste service will receive a letter to inform them of the bin delivery.
If you already have a FOGO bin you don’t need to do anything. Continue using your bin as usual.
Stage two - apartments and units
The timing of the second phase will be announced in 2026.
We know that residents in apartments and unit blocks face additional challenges to recycle organics. That’s why we held the FOGO in Multi-Unit Dwellings (MUDs) trial to help shape a smooth and successful rollout. The feedback and learnings from the trial will be used to inform the FOGO roll out to remaining properties with shared spaces.
Currently, apartment blocks with City of Stonnington waste services can request food and green waste bins as part of an opt-in service. An owners corporation representative will need to fill out the request form. For more information, visit the Food and Green Waste page.
Cost
After your FOGO bin is delivered, you will receive a pro-rata rates notice. This year’s charge for a 120 L FOGO bin is $90. The waste charges are determined every year as part of Council’s annual budget.
Opting out
Some households may opt-out of this FOGO bin rollout. Even if your opt-out application is successful, you may still receive a bin during the rollout stage in November. Arrangements will be made to remove the bin after delivery as soon as possible.
Find out if you meet the opt-out criteria and apply
If you are a renter, please contact your landlord or real estate agent to complete the FOGO bin opt-out form. If you are unable to get in contact, please email us FOGO@stonnington.vic.gov.au
FOGO bin collection information
There will be no changes to the current bin collection frequencies. FOGO and recycling bins will continue to be collected fortnightly, and garbage bins weekly. You can find your collection days at Find my bin days City of Stonnington.
Once you have your new FOGO bin, you can start saving your scraps straight away by using your kitchen caddy. You can line your caddy with newspaper or collect a free roll of compostable lime green liners from one of our customer service centres. Read more about Food and green waste.
Engagement sessions
Find out more about the rollout and FOGO at our engagement sessions.
School holiday activity
Join us for a school holiday activity for all ages, planting seeds and learning how our food can become compost. Our Waste Education Team will be available to talk about FOGO and the green bin rollout.
- Thursday 2 October, 10am-12pm – Phoenix Park Playground/Community Centre
Pop-up sessions
Stop by our pop-up sessions to chat to our Waste Education Team, who will answer your questions about FOGO and the green bin rollout.
- Tuesday 14 October, 11am-1pm – At the front of Malvern Town Hall
- Thursday 16 October, 2:30pm-4:30pm – Harold Holt Aquatic Centre
- Saturday 25 October, 1:30pm-3:30pm – Food court area, Prahran Market
Information sessions
Join our Waste Education Team for an information session about FOGO and the bin rollout. We will share key information and answer your questions.
We are also offering free online or in-person information sessions to any culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) or senior community groups. If you are part of a community group who may benefit from some additional information on how to use the new FOGO bin at home, please reach out to our friendly team at FOGO@stonnington.vic.gov.au.