Food waste rules adjusted after community feedback

Published on 01 December 2023

Horsham Rural City Council has announced a change to the rules for the new four-bin kerbside waste service that was introduced in April this year.

Urban residents will be allowed to divert high odour food waste such as meat, fish, eggs, and bones to the general waste stream during summer months where refrigeration is not practicable.

The change was a result of listening to the community feedback that was gathered through October’s Kerbside Waste Services Review.

Some residents reported issues with odour from the food and garden organics (FOGO) bin, especially during the warmer months.

Residents are also encouraged to clean their bins when required and make sure their bin lids are closed properly.

The survey, which received 302 responses from urban and rural residents, asked about other aspects of the service, such as bin size, frequency and education.

HRCC thanks the community for its participation and feedback and will continue to evaluate the performance of the new four-bin waste service and make adjustments as needed. 

People are still urged to use their organics bin (green) for food waste wherever possible. Diverting organic waste from landfill is better for the environment and will help avoid future cost increases for everyone.