New FOGO and glass recycling kerbside collections begin this November

The City of Ballarat’s food organics and garden organics (FOGO) and glass recycling kerbside collections will begin from Monday 3 November, 2025.

The initiative, in line with State Government changes for all Victorians to move to a four-bin collection system, marks a major step forward in improving local waste management and reducing waste going to landfill.

The City of Ballarat has launched a five-month countdown until the introduction of the changes, at the new Buninyong FOGO receival centre located at Scope Australia.

The business will receive the FOGO where it will then be transferred to Green Care Mulching’s composting facility at Balliang.

All residents will soon receive information in the mail about the waste collection changes. Information will continue to be provided to the community in the lead up to the introduction of the FOGO and glass services.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the new FOGO and glass recycling kerbside collection services will make it easier for everyone to reduce waste and recycle smarter.  

“The introduction of a new FOGO service is a proud moment for our community,” she said.

“FOGO helps households turn food and garden waste into something valuable.

“By using a local site, those garden and food organics will be received right here before it is recycled into compost.”  

Scope Australia Director John Kennedy said the business’ goal for the Ballarat region has always been to build strong partnerships and drive a genuine circular economy.

“The FOGO initiative not only strengthens our operational footprint in the region but shows we’re not waiting for change — we’re helping lead it,” he said.

“We're proud to play an active role in shaping smarter, more sustainable waste solutions for the future.”

What’s new in November?

• FOGO recycling – Collected fortnightly, food waste can be added to households’ lime green lid bin (current green waste bin). Food organics includes fruit and vegetable scraps, raw and cooked meat and bones, citrus, leftovers, seafood, shellfish shells and eggshells.  
• Glass recycling – Collected monthly, residents will be able to add glass bottles and jars to a new purple lid glass bin. Accepted items include glass bottles, such as soft drink, juice, water, beer, wine, spirits, medicine, vitamin and supplements) and jars (such as pasta sauce, jam, pickles and coffee). Glass should be lightly rinsed.

What to expect

Throughout September and October, new 140 litre purple lid glass collection bins will begin arriving to every household that receives a City of Ballarat service, ready to collect your glass from November.  

New bins with lime green lids will be delivered to all properties that do not currently receive a green waste service.

Kitchen caddies will be delivered to all households. Caddies can store your food scraps indoors, before you empty them into your FOGO bin.

The caddy will include compostable caddy liners and information packs explaining the new service.  

The caddies are made from 100 per cent recycled material and can be recycled through your kerbside mixed recycling bin at the end of their life. They are also dishwasher friendly.

Residents who do not wish to receive a caddy can opt out of delivery by visiting ballarat.vic.gov.au/waste and completing the online form or by contacting Customer Service on 5320 5500. There is no cost difference for opting out of the caddy delivery.  

The cost of the new services will be included in the waste service charge on the 2025/26 rates notice.

Until the new service begins in November, residents are encouraged to put green waste only in their lime green lid bin and continue to drop off glass at one of the municipality’s Pass on Glass sites.

Download the Ballarat Waste app via the App Store or on Google Play.