Published on Tuesday, 21 July 2026 at 2:00:00 PM
As part of the 2026-2027 Annual Budget, Council has endorsed the continuation of the current 3-bin waste collection system while work continues across the South West to identify a long-term processing solution for Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) material.
Our community makes the magic happen
The Shire of Donnybrook Balingup was one of the earliest adopters of FOGO in Western Australia, introducing the service in 2014.
Residents have embraced the program over the past decade, helping the Shire to achieve some of the lowest contamination rates in the South West. Prior to recent changes in regional processing arrangements, the Shire recorded contamination rates of approximately 5% – a strong result that reflects our community's commitment to reducing waste and caring for the environment.
This participation has helped reduce waste sent to landfill, protect local resources and support a more sustainable future for the district.
What changed?
In November 2024, the Bunbury Harvey Regional Council (BHRC) advised participating local governments, including the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup, that it would no longer accept FOGO material with contamination rates above 1%.
While we have remained one of the strongest-performing FOGO communities in terms of contamination management, this change meant the region's established FOGO processing pathway was no longer available.
Since then, local governments across the South West have been continuously working with the State Government and waste industry stakeholders to identify alternative options while a permanent regional FOGO processing solution is explored.
Despite significant efforts, a cost-effective short-term processing option has not yet been identified.
What does this mean for residents?
The good news is that residents won't need to change what they're doing. The current 3-bin system will continue throughout the 2026-2027 financial year, with material placed in the light green FOGO bin continuing to be collected separately and transported to Dardanup to be disposed of in landfill.
Residents will continue to be charged on a cost-recovery basis only.
Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy said Council’s decision to continue with the existing system reflects our shared commitment to environmental responsibility and sound financial management while balancing community expectations.
"Our community's long-standing commitment to doing the right thing when it comes to waste management has helped make the Shire a leader in FOGO participation across the South West, and that effort should be recognised," President MacCarthy said. "Whether through tree-planting initiatives or taking the time to properly separate their waste, the care our residents show for the environment is one of the many ways they help protect the people, places and landscapes that make our district so special. This dedication and community spirit are at the heart of what makes the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup unique.”
“By continuing these positive habits, we remain well positioned for future improvements to waste processing and resource recovery across the South West. While challenges remain across the region, Council is committed to working alongside neighbouring local governments, industry and government partners to identify a sustainable long-term solution that delivers value for our community and supports a healthier environment for future generations."
Keep up the great work – looking ahead
Council recognises there have been questions about the value of maintaining the 3-bin service following disruptions to regional FOGO processing arrangements. However, retaining the existing system allows residents to continue playing an active role in supporting a more sustainable future for our district. This means:
- The positive waste-sorting habits and community knowledge developed over more than a decade can be preserved and passed on to future generations.
- The community remains well positioned should a dedicated regional FOGO processing solution become available in the future.
- Residents can continue separating organic material, recycling and general waste, making any future transition back to full FOGO processing simpler and more effective.
Council remains committed to finding a viable long-term FOGO solution for both the Shire and the wider South West. Diverting organic material from landfill remains an important objective, helping to extend landfill life, reduce environmental impacts and support more sustainable waste management outcomes now and into the future.
The Shire will continue working collaboratively with neighbouring local governments, State Government agencies and waste processing contractors to identify a practical and cost-effective pathway forward.
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