I Am For…FOGO bins (and insinkerators)

#CircularEconomy #recycling #compost #waste #foodwaste #reducelandfill #reduce #FOGO

Tackling Food Waste: We Can All Help Reduce Landfill

Food waste is a global issue hiding in plain sight — in our fridges, bins, supermarkets, schools, and restaurants. When food ends up in landfill, it’s not just a waste of resources; it also contributes significantly to climate change.

Fortunately, there are practical, scalable solutions that both individuals and businesses can take to reduce food waste and its harmful effects.

The Global Food Waste Crisis 

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), a staggering 1.03 billion tonnes of food is wasted every year globally — around 17% of all food available to consumers. In Australia alone, it’s estimated that we waste about 7.6 million tonnes of food each year, costing the economy over $36.6 billion annually.

But food waste isn’t just a financial or ethical issue — it’s an environmental one too.

When organic material like food ends up in landfill, it breaks down anaerobically (without oxygen), producing methane, a greenhouse gas over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere. Globally, food waste accounts for roughly 8–10% of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Solutions to Reduce Food Waste

The good news? We can solve this — together. Here’s how:

1. Introduce FOGO Bins in your local council area

FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bins allow households and businesses to divert compostable material from landfill.

What can go in:

✅ Food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, garden clippings, small branches.

What can’t go in:

❌ Plastic, packaging, glass, metals (check with your local council)

Positive Impact:
Composting through FOGO systems keeps organic material out of landfill and returns nutrients to the soil.

In Australia, many councils have adopted or are trialling FOGO systems. For example:

• Sunshine Coast Council will roll out full FOGO services in mid-2025, following successful trials.

• Randwick City Council in NSW and City of Hobart in Tasmania already have operational FOGO programs.

2. Use In-Sink Food Waste Disposers (Insinkerators)

Insinkerators grind food waste into a slurry that travels to wastewater treatment plants. While not a perfect solution (as not all wastewater systems can handle them), they:

• Reduce household bin volume.

• Eliminate smelly bin odours.

• Provide a convenient alternative to landfill.

However, these are best used in combination with other strategies, not as a standalone solution.

3. Home and Community Composting

Composting at home turns scraps into rich soil for gardens. Community composting hubs and worm farms are becoming popular in schools and neighbourhoods.

• Easy-to-use compost bins or Bokashi systems work in apartments or small spaces.

• Schools and community gardens can run shared composting stations.

• Some councils offer rebates or free compost bins to residents.

4. Reduce Food Waste at the Source

The simplest solution is to prevent waste before it happens.

For individuals:

• Plan meals and write shopping lists.

• Store food properly to extend shelf life.

• Check dates but don’t be afraid of “best before” if food still looks and smells fine.

• Use leftovers creatively.

For businesses:

• Supermarkets can improve stock management, donate unsold edible food, or sell imperfect produce.

• Restaurants and cafes can train staff on portion control, track what’s thrown away, and offer flexible serving sizes.

• Schools and offices can provide compost bins, use up leftover catering food, and educate staff/students about mindful consumption.

5. Implement Food Recovery Programs

Programs like OzHarvest, Foodbank, and SecondBite collect surplus food from retailers, restaurants, and events, redistributing it to charities. These initiatives:

• Reduce waste,

• Feed people in need, and

• Lower the carbon footprint of food businesses.

Governments and councils can support these efforts by:

• Providing incentives,

• Mandating waste separation,

• Supporting food donation logistics.

How Different Sectors Can Help

Sector Food Waste Action

Offices: Install food scrap bins, compost on-site, educate staff, order appropriate catering.

Schools: Run food education programs, compost scraps, engage students in gardening projects.

Factories: Monitor production waste, donate surplus, review packaging and storage processes.

Supermarkets: Improve inventory systems, promote “imperfect” produce, donate excess food.

Cafes/Restaurants: Offer smaller portions, track plate waste, donate leftovers, compost food scraps.

Reducing Food Waste Starts with Us

Food waste is one of the most solvable climate issues — but only if we act. Whether it’s using a FOGO bin, being smarter with our shopping, or implementing systemic changes in businesses, each step we take helps divert waste from landfill and cuts down emissions.

Let’s treat food like the precious resource it is.

Take Action Today, how you can help:

• Ask your council about FOGO bin availability?

• Start a compost bin at home or work

• Support food-rescue charities

• Only buy what you’ll eat

• Educate others — especially young people — about the value of food

Small changes add up to a big difference. What can you do today to avoid food waste going to landfill?

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