Update on FOGO Processing at Banksia Road Organics Facility

Banksia Road Organics Processing Facility will remain closed to FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) for the foreseeable future.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has been advised by the Bunbury Harvey Regional Council (BHRC) that the Banksia Road Organics Processing Facility will remain closed to FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) for the foreseeable future.
 
This facility, which services seven local governments across the South West including our own, has been impacted by ongoing issues with contamination in FOGO materials collected through kerbside bins.
 
Back in December 2024, BHRC informed its local government partners that FOGO would need to be temporarily diverted to landfill due to high levels of contamination, particularly from incorrectly sorted waste. While contamination rates in our shire remain comparatively low, unfortunately, the combined contamination from across the region continues to exceed the facility's acceptable limits.
 
BHRC is actively working with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) and local government partners to find a long-term solution. In the meantime, the Shire is exploring interim options for processing FOGO and will continue to keep the community informed as these efforts progress.
 
Shire CEO Andrea Selvey thanked the many residents who take great care in sorting their waste correctly, commending the community for diligently embracing the FOGO system and their continual commitment to sustainable waste practices.
 
“Your efforts are vital to the long-term success of our waste management system and our shared goals for sustainability and resource recovery. While we find a solution, we are asking our community members to continue their great work in sorting their bins correctly,” Andrea said.
 
"Everyone – residents, local governments and regional waste providers has a role to play in maintaining a clean and safe environment for current and future generations. The Shire is proud of the low contamination rates achieved by our community and appreciates the ongoing efforts to maintain these standards."

Community members are encouraged to refresh their knowledge of FOGO sorting practices by visiting the WA Government’s WasteSorted website. 

Please be assured that kerbside waste and recycling collections, along with services at the Davis Road Recycling and Waste Management Facility, will continue as usual. FOGO remains a key part of the WA Government’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 and is closely aligned with the values of our environmentally conscious community.

Find out more about waste and recycling in the shire.