June 11th, 2025Ballarat’s FOGO and glass recycling kerbside collections starts November

The City of Ballarat’s food organics and garden organics (FOGO) and glass recycling kerbside collections will begin from Monday November 3.

The initiative, in line with State Government changes for all Victorians to move to a four-bin collection system, marks a major step forward in improving local waste management and reducing waste going to landfill.

FOGO kerbside collection has proven successful in the neighbouring Hepburn Shire since it was introduced just over a year ago in April 2024, with glass kerbside collection in Hepburn already in place fortnightly as part of general recyclables collection.

The City of Ballarat has launched a five-month countdown until the introduction of the changes, at the new Buninyong FOGO receival centre located at Scope Australia.

The business will receive the FOGO where it will then be transferred to Green Care Mulching’s composting facility at Balliang.

All City of Ballarat residents will soon receive information in the mail about the waste collection changes. Information will continue to be provided to the community in the lead up to the introduction of the FOGO and glass services.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the new FOGO and glass recycling kerbside collection services will make it easier for everyone to reduce waste and recycle smarter.  

“The introduction of a new FOGO service is a proud moment for our community,” she said.

“FOGO helps households turn food and garden waste into something valuable.

“By using a local site, those garden and food organics will be received right here before it is recycled into compost.”  

Scope Australia Director John Kennedy said the business’ goal for the Ballarat region has always been to build strong partnerships and drive a genuine circular economy.