The data is in on Council’s strategic waste management initiative for its first full calendar year, and the results for 2023 underscore Barunga West’s commitment to its environmental goals.
Launched in September 2022, the innovative waste management system has dramatically increased the amount of waste diverted from landfill, showcasing the community's commitment to the environment and sustainable living on the Top of the Yorke.
Council introduced the FOGO system in response to state legislation changes aimed at improving waste management practices. The program features a three-bin collection service, including a 140-litre red bin for general household waste, a 240-litre yellow bin for comingled recyclables, and a 240-litre lime green bin alongside a kitchen caddy for FOGO waste.
Since the launch of FOGO, Barunga West's residents have shown tremendous support and adaptability towards the new system, resulting in a total of 518.02 tonnes of waste being diverted from landfill. This achievement not only reflects the community's dedication to sustainability but also aligns with Council's target of reducing landfill waste.
In January, Barunga West Council added two additional red bin waste collection days to its schedule, aiming to accommodate post-holiday waste. Although these extra collections were slightly less than the tonnage of the two standard collections, they were still notably utilised. In total, there was 49.18 tonnes of red waste collected during January.
Steve Davey, Manager of Assets and Infrastructure at Barunga West Council, said the FOGO program had been a great success.
“We are thrilled with the community's response to the FOGO system. The adoption of the new waste collection schedule has not only enhanced our recycling efforts but has also led to significant savings in disposal fees, benefitting the council, ratepayers, and our environment,” Mr Davey said.
The FOGO system's introduction has positioned Barunga West Council as a leader in waste management within South Australia, setting a precedent for other councils to follow. The system's success is a testament to the community's willingness to embrace change for a sustainable future.
Barunga West Council remains committed to improving its waste management strategies and continues to explore innovative solutions to further increase recycling rates and reduce landfill waste. Council extends its gratitude to all residents for their ongoing support and participation in the FOGO system, helping make Barunga West a leading example of environmental stewardship on the Yorke Peninsula.