A local council is under increasing scrutiny for its decision to implement fortnightly collections of red-lidded bins, as more residents express frustration over the growing mess in their neighborhoods. The introduction of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins across Perth last year has led many councils to switch from weekly general waste collection to a biweekly schedule. However, this change has sparked concerns among residents who claim they are struggling to manage the increased volume of household waste.
The shift to FOGO bins, which are designed to separate organic waste from other refuse, has resulted in smaller bin sizes and less frequent collection days. This has led to overflowing bins in parks and on streets, with some households unable to cope with the additional waste. The situation has become particularly problematic in areas like Rockingham, where residents are calling for a return to weekly collections.
Kim Amer, a resident of the Rockingham City Council area, has been vocal about her dissatisfaction with the current system. Her concerns have resonated with others in the community, including Frank Ockwell, who described the situation as “stupid” and expressed his frustration with the lack of adequate waste management.
Why are Rockingham residents upset?
Frank Ockwell highlighted that even with multiple red bins, the capacity is insufficient to handle two weeks’ worth of waste. He recounted an incident involving neighbors with young children, whose bins not only emitted a strong odor but also overflowed, leading to maggots crawling onto the driveway.
“Rockingham City Council gave them two red bins, but the neighbors still managed to fill them, and we were subjected to maggots crawling from their bins onto our driveway,” he said. Frank believes that the fortnightly collection schedule is not working and has sent the council images of overflowing bins during collection day. “Overflowing bins, and worse still, one dirty nappy-filled bin spilling onto the street,” he added.
Kim Amer, who has been advocating for change for over a year, is now at a breaking point. She supports the FOGO system but is seeking a solution that works for everyone. “We do not want to live in filth… with rubbish flying all over the streets and the stink. We all pay high rates — this is a basic service we need,” she said.
This issue has been brought to light by several residents who have shared their experiences. Yahoo News Australia first reported on these concerns in December last year. At the time, Mayor Lorna Buchan acknowledged that some households were struggling to adapt to the new system but stated that there are no plans to revert to weekly general waste collections.
“The City collects more than 57,000 red bins every fortnight, and the evidence shows that the vast majority of residents have successfully adapted to the FOGO system, with the recovery rate up to approximately 60 per cent since the system was rolled out in mid-2025,” she said.
The mayor emphasized that the council has no intention of changing the current scheduling, but the issue will be revisited at a meeting on Monday. “A Motion on the matter was dealt with at the December 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting, with Council resolving to retain the current collection regime,” she explained.
For residents facing challenges adapting to the FOGO system, the council encourages them to contact staff for support. “The City has provided various options for large households and for those requiring additional bin space for medical waste,” Buchan added.
Residents are encouraged to reach out if they have specific concerns or need assistance. The council remains committed to ensuring that all residents can manage their waste effectively. While the current system has seen positive results, the voices of those struggling continue to be heard.
If you have a bin story to share, consider reaching out to local representatives or contacting the council directly. Your feedback could help shape future policies and improve the quality of life in your community.
