Outrage after Wellington Shire Council scraps weekly general waste collection, replaces it with organic waste

A controversial council shift to replace weekly general waste collection with a food and garden organics (FOGO) service has drawn criticism from residents concerned about “overflowing” bins.

Wellington Shire Council in Victoria’s Gippsland region alerted residents new 240l FOGO bins would be delivered from July 6, while red-lidded general waste bins would move to a fortnightly collection schedule.

But the move has concerned residents, who have started a petition on charge.org to see their weekly general waste collection continue.

Petition organiser Danielle Azevedo, who has a young family, said her bins quickly filled up with nappies and they thus depended on a reliable waste system.

Ms Azevedo said the bin switch was a widespread concern that was affecting many families and individuals across the community.

She said it was crucial the new system did not compromise regular waste collection and create a significant waste management problem for households.

“Failing to maintain a weekly rubbish bin collection could lead to various negative outcomes,” the petition states.

“Overflowing bins could attract pests and vermin, increase unpleasant smells, and potentially become a health hazard.

“For families with babies, the elderly, or people with disabilities, the sheer volume of waste generated weekly is not something that can be left uncollected without serious consequence.”

The petition urging the Shire to adopt a practical solution and to maintain the current weekly schedule for general waste alongside the FOGO collection has received more than 1800 signatures.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cindy Madeley said FOGO bins would divert organic waste from landfill and reduce costs under Victorian legislation.

“In Wellington Shire, more than half of the average household landfill bin is made up of food and garden waste, and a further 15 per cent is items that belong in the recycling bin,” Cr Madeley said.

“By separating these materials, we can significantly reduce landfill, cut greenhouse gas emissions and turn everyday food scraps into valuable compost that can be used on farms, parks and gardens.”

Ms Madeley said sending waste to landfill was expensive with the EPA increasing costs each year.

“Over time, it will be more expensive to continue weekly collection of landfill bins,” she said.

“By removing food waste from the landfill bin, we can also extend the life of our existing landfill cells and reduce methane emissions.”