Understanding the NSW EPA FOGO Program and How SmartEnds Australia Can Assist

Joe Leech
Apr 7
3 min read

Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) Collection Truck

Introduction

In an ambitious move to combat waste and promote sustainability, the New South Wales (NSW) Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has introduced the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) program. This initiative aims to significantly reduce the amount of organic waste ending up in landfills by implementing mandatory collection services across the state. As businesses and households prepare for these changes, innovative solutions like those offered by SmartEnds Australia can play a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.

The NSW EPA FOGO Program: An Overview

The FOGO program is a statewide mandate designed to facilitate the recycling of food and garden waste. The NSW Parliament has passed legislation requiring:EPA

Households: To have FOGO collection services by July 2030.EPA
Businesses and Institutions: To implement FOGO collection services in stages starting from July 2026

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce food waste and prevent organic materials from contributing to landfill volumes, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a circular economy.

Objectives of the FOGO Program

The primary goals of the FOGO program include:

Waste Reduction: Diverting organic waste from landfills to reduce environmental impact.
Resource Recovery: Transforming organic waste into valuable resources like compost for use in agriculture and landscaping. news.com.au
Environmental Protection: Lowering methane emissions produced by decomposing organic matter in landfills. NSW Environment Protection Authority
Community Engagement: Encouraging households and businesses to participate actively in sustainable waste management practices.

Implementation Timeline

The rollout of the FOGO program is structured to allow adequate preparation and adaptation:

By July 2026: Large food waste-generating businesses and institutions are required to have source-separated food waste collection services in place. EPA
By July 2030: All households across NSW must have access to FOGO collection services. EPA

This phased approach ensures that both the infrastructure and community readiness are developed to support the program's success.

Challenges in Implementing FOGO Services

While the benefits of the FOGO program are clear, its implementation presents several challenges:

Infrastructure Development: Establishing the necessary collection and processing facilities to handle increased organic waste volumes.
Contamination Control: Ensuring that FOGO bins are free from non-organic materials to maintain compost quality. EPA
Public Awareness: Educating residents and businesses about proper waste separation and the importance of FOGO.
Operational Efficiency: Optimising collection routes and schedules to manage costs and environmental impact effectively.

How SmartEnds Australia Can Facilitate FOGO Implementation

SmartEnds Australia offers innovative, data-driven solutions tailored to address the challenges associated with the FOGO program. Their suite of products and services can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of organic waste management.

SmartBin Sensors

SmartEnds' SmartBin Sensors provide real-time data on bin fill levels, enabling:

Optimised Collection Routes: By monitoring which bins are full, waste collection services can plan more efficient routes, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs.
Timely Collections: Preventing overflows and ensuring that organic waste is collected before decomposition leads to odors or pest issues.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Providing insights into waste generation patterns to inform future planning and resource allocation.

Camera Vision AI

Contamination of FOGO bins with non-organic materials can compromise the quality of compost produced. SmartEnds' Camera Vision AI technology addresses this by:

Identifying Contaminants: Automatically detecting non-organic items in FOGO bins, allowing for immediate corrective actions.
Educating Users: Providing feedback to households and businesses about improper waste disposal, promoting better practices.
Enhancing Compliance: Assisting councils and waste management authorities in monitoring and enforcing waste separation guidelines.

Track & Trace Devices

For businesses and institutions required to comply with FOGO mandates by 2026, SmartEnds' Track & Trace Devices offer: news.com.au

Asset Management: Keeping track of waste bins and ensuring they are returned after collection.
Compliance Monitoring: Verifying that organic waste is being disposed of correctly and in accordance with regulations.
Theft Prevention: Reducing the risk of bin theft or misplacement through GPS tracking.

S-Pass Digital Lock

Security of waste bins, especially in communal or high-traffic areas, is crucial. The S-Pass Digital Lock system provides:

Controlled Access: Ensuring that only authorized individuals can deposit waste, reducing contamination risks.
Usage Monitoring: Recording access events to monitor usage patterns and identify potential issues.
Enhanced Security: Protecting against unauthorized use or tampering of waste bins.

BrighterBins Platform

Integrating data from various devices, the BrighterBins Platform offers:

Comprehensive Monitoring: A centralised dashboard displaying real-time information on bin statuses, collection schedules, and contamination incidents.
Reporting and Analytics: Generating reports to assess performance, compliance, and areas for improvement.
User Engagement: Providing residents and businesses with access to information about their waste disposal habits and encouraging better practices.

Ready to Reduce Food Waste and Stop Food Waste Going to Landfill?