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Food & Organic Waste Recycling: What Can and Can’t Go In

Food and organic waste makes up a large portion of household and business rubbish — and when it ends up in landfill, it produces harmful greenhouse gases. Using a food and organics (FOGO) recycling bin correctly helps turn scraps into compost and reduces waste. Here’s what can and can’t go in.

✅ What Can Go in the Food & Organics Bin

  • Fruit and vegetable scraps – peels, cores, offcuts

  • Meat, fish, and dairy – raw or cooked (including bones and shells, if your council allows)

  • Bread, pasta, rice, and grains

  • Coffee grounds, loose tea leaves, and paper tea bags

  • Garden waste – grass clippings, leaves, small branches, flowers, weeds

  • Compostable paper products – paper towels, napkins, and tissues (if not heavily soiled with chemicals)

❌ What Can’t Go in the Food & Organics Bin

  • Plastic bags, cling wrap, or packaging (unless certified compostable with the seedling logo)

  • Glass, metal, or plastic containers

  • Large branches, logs, or treated timber

  • Liquids (e.g. milk, oil, soups)

  • Nappies or sanitary products

  • Pet waste (unless specifically accepted by your local council)

Household Tips

  • Use a kitchen caddy lined with compostable bags (certified to AS 4736 or AS 5810 standards) to collect scraps.

  • Avoid lining with plastic—contamination is one of the biggest problems in FOGO bins.

  • Chop larger items (e.g. watermelon rinds, large bones) into smaller pieces to help composting.

  • Store your bin in a cool, shaded spot to minimise odours.

Business Food & Organics Recycling

  • Place clearly labelled food waste bins in kitchens, food prep areas, and staff break rooms.

  • Train staff on what can and can’t go in to avoid contamination.

  • For cafes, restaurants, and food manufacturers, schedule regular FOGO collections to handle larger volumes.

  • Pair organics bins with general waste and commingled bins to encourage correct separation.

Quick Reference

Accepted Not Accepted
Fruit & vegetable scraps Plastic bags & wrappers
Meat, fish, dairy Glass, metal, or plastic
Bread, rice, grains Nappies or sanitary waste
Coffee grounds & tea leaves Large logs or treated timber
Garden clippings & flowers Liquids like milk or oil
Paper towels & napkins Pet waste (check local rules)

Best Practices Summary

  1. Only put food, garden, and approved compostable items in the bin.

  2. Never use plastic liners—use compostable liners or none at all.

  3. Keep liquids out—stick to solids only.

  4. Businesses should provide clear signage and staff training to reduce contamination.

Conclusion: Smarter Food & Organics Recycling

Using your food and organics bin correctly turns waste into compost instead of landfill. By knowing what can and can’t go in, you’ll reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut waste disposal costs, and support a healthier environment.

👉 Check out Waster’s Organic Food Waste bin options today in our online shop.