FOGO caddies, bags and liners

How to select, care for or replace your food caddy.


FOGO bins have been distributed to about 12,500 homes in the Bega Valley resulting in large quantities of food waste being converted into high quality compost – instead of ending up in landfill. 

Here are some helpful pointers on how to get the most out of your collection bin.


Caddies 

A FOGO caddy in a dishwasher

Caddies should be cleaned regularly with hot soapy water and are dishwasher safe. It’s also a good idea to buy a second caddy so that you can place one on your bench, while the other is receiving a deep clean in the dishwasher.


If you need to replace your caddy, or you would like to buy a second unit, they are available for purchase at $5.50 each from Council libraries, Waste and Recycling Centres and the customer service counter at our Zingel Place office in Bega. 

New residents to the Bega Valley can obtain a new (free) caddy by completing an online order form or using the Bega Valley Waste App. 

If you want to buy an alternative caddy, here are some features to look out for:  

  • Ceramic models offer a range of stylish looks that may complement your kitchen and can be easier to clean, but due to their weight and porous nature can be more susceptible to breakages.
  • Metal containers can complement your appliances and kitchen finishes but do show up fingerprints due to their shiny finish.
  • Sizing is an important consideration and the capacity you choose is largely dependent on how much food waste is produced in your house. Caddies range from around 2 litres in capacity and can go up to 10 litres. Ideally they should be emptied every 2–3 days to keep them fresh and to minimise odours.
  • A hinged lid is handy so you don't lose it, but look out for one that is easy to clean and won't trap food.
  • Washable carbon filters are sometimes fitted in caddy lids which help to trap smells. If you choose this option, ensure you can remove the filter in order to wash or replace.

Bags and Liners

To reduce odours from your caddy, we recommend using certified compostable bags. You can purchase these from Council Libraries, Waste and Recycling Centres and the Customer Service counter at Zingel Place office, at a cost of $5.50 each for 150 bag roll.
Compostable bags are also available from supermarkets - just make sure they are certified to Australian Standard AS 4736 (look for the Seedling logo shown below) as this means they will break down completely when processed at our composting facility.

Note that plastic and biodegradable liners are not acceptable as they contaminate the compost.

A close up of a FOGO bag roll showing the Australian Standards logo

You can also line your caddy with a sheet of newspaper or paper towel.

A FOGO caddy with newspaper lining and some food scraps inside the caddy

 

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