One of the biggest headaches when moving across Australia is realizing that waste rules can change just by crossing the street.
While FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) is rolling out nationwide, every local Council has its own specific rules. Some mandate "loose items only", while others encourage the use of compostable liners to keep bins clean. If you live in an apartment, the rules might be even more specific.
The Reality of FOGO: Dealing with the "Mess Factor"
Let's be honest: while FOGO is great for the planet, it can be a challenge for your kitchen. Moving to a FOGO system often comes with two major pain points:
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The Smell: Food scraps sitting "loose" in a caddy can quickly turn pungent, especially during a humid Australian summer.
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The Leakage: Wet scraps like fruit peels and coffee grounds can create "bin juice" at the bottom of your caddy, leading to fruit flies and a scrubbing chore you didn't ask for.
The Solution: Using a heavy-duty Compostar Kraft Paper Liner is the best way to keep a hygienic home. Unlike thin bags that snag and tear, our liners are made from reinforced, puncture-resistant Kraft paper that can handle sharp bones and heavy scraps. They feature a strengthened bottom to prevent leaks, and the sturdy structure allows you to simply fold the top down, instantly locking in odours.
To help you navigate this, Compostar has compiled the official government directories for New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC). No matter where you move, simply click the links below to find your local council's specific waste guidelines.
🌏 New South Wales (NSW) Council Directory
NSW is home to 128 local government areas. Whether you are living in a high-rise in the CBD, a house in Chatswood, or an apartment in Hurstville, you can find your specific community website through the Local Government NSW official directory.
👉 Click Here: Access the Full NSW Council Directory
Quick Reference for Popular Communities: (Note: Click the main link above and look for your council alphabetically)
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B: Bayside Council (Mascot, Rockdale, Wolli Creek)
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C: City of Sydney (CBD, Ultimo, Zetland, Waterloo)
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G: Georges River Council (Hurstville, Kogarah)
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K: Ku-ring-gai Council (Gordon, Killara, Lindfield)
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P: City of Parramatta (Parramatta, Epping, Carlingford)
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R: City of Ryde (Ryde, Eastwood, Macquarie Park)
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W: Willoughby City Council (Chatswood, Artarmon, St Leonards)
☕ Victoria (VIC) Council Directory
Victoria is currently standardizing its waste systems, but significant differences remain regarding the "Bag vs. No Bag" rule.
For example, the City of Melbourne allows AS 4736 certified liners, whereas some regional councils may still require food waste to be thrown in loose. We have sourced the official Victorian Government "Know Your Council" map to help you check your local rules.
👉 Click Here: Access the Full VIC Council Directory
Quick Reference for Popular Melbourne Areas: (Note: Click the main link above and search via the map or list)
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M: Melbourne City Council (CBD, Docklands, North Melbourne)
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Compostar Tip: The High-rise FOGO pilot is active here. We recommend our 8L leak-proof bags for apartment living.
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M: Monash City Council (Clayton, Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley)
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W: Whitehorse City Council (Box Hill, Burwood, Blackburn)
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M: Merri-bek City Council (Brunswick, Coburg)
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P: Port Phillip City Council (St Kilda, South Melbourne)
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Y: Yarra City Council (Richmond, Fitzroy)
✅ One Standard for All of Australia
While council policies may differ on collection frequency, there is one standard that is recognized nationwide: The AS 4736 Seedling Logo.
If your local council allows compostable bin liners, you must ensure your bags carry this specific logo and certification number.
Why Choose Compostar? All Compostar green bin liners are fully certified to AS 4736 (ABAP 10141) standards. This means that wherever you are in Australia — if your council accepts bags — our liners are guaranteed to break down safely in industrial composting facilities without leaving microplastics behind.
By choosing our certified range, you solve the problem of smelly, leaking bins while staying 100% compliant with Australian environmental regulations.
🛒 Shop Compostable Bin Liners Here (Make waste sorting cleaner and easier today)
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