The "Food Organics Garden Organics" (FOGO) revolution is sweeping across Australia. From the suburbs of Sydney to the coast of Perth, the green lid bin is changing how we deal with rubbish.

But one question causes more confusion than any other: "Can I use bags in my council green bin?"

The short answer is: YES, but only if they are the right kind.

At Compostar, we supply certified FOGO Bin Liners that meet the strict Australian Standards required by local councils. Here is your state-by-state guide to using the correct Green bin bags for Council collection.

The "Seedling Logo" Rule: What Councils Look For

Before we look at your local area, you need to know the Golden Rule.

Australian councils will only accept bags that are certified AS 4736 (Commercial Compostable). These are often called "accepted liners" or "compostable caddy liners".

  • ❌ NOT ALLOWED: "Biodegradable" plastic bags (they break down into microplastics).

  • ✅ ALLOWED: Compostar eco bin bags, which carry the official ABA Seedling Logo (AS 4736).

New South Wales (NSW)

Many NSW councils are leading the way in diverting food waste from landfill.

  • City of Sydney & Inner West: Residents can use certified compostable liners to collect food scraps.

  • Randwick & Waverley: Strictly enforce the use of AS 4736 certified green bags.

  • Penrith & Blacktown: Fully operational FOGO services that accept certified liners.

Recommendation: For NSW residents, our [Leak-Proof bin liner] made of paper is a favorite for keeping kitchen caddies dry in humid weather.

Victoria (VIC)

Victoria has rolled out FOGO massively across metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas.

  • City of Melbourne: Accepts food scraps in green bins wrapped in AS 4736 compostable liners.

  • Monash, Glen Eira & Bayside: All accept certified liners.

  • Greater Bendigo & Geelong: Strong advocates for using compostable bags to increase participation.

Recommendation: Victora's variable weather makes our [Small bin liner range] (both paper and cornstarch) perfect for indoor kitchen caddies.

Queensland (QLD)

Brisbane and the Gold Coast are expanding their green bin services rapidly.

  • Brisbane City Council: The new food waste service allows the use of Australian Standard certified compostable bags.

  • Gold Coast: Accepts bagged food scraps in the green organics bin.

South Australia (SA)

Adelaide is the pioneer of FOGO in Australia.

  • City of Adelaide & Charles Sturt: Almost all SA councils provide or encourage the use of compostable Food Scrap Bags to keep bins clean.

  • Recommendation: Our [paper caddy liners] are extremely popular in SA for their ability to breathe and reduce smells in the heat.

Western Australia (WA)

  • City of Melville, Fremantle & Stirling: The 3-bin FOGO system is standard, and certified liners are essential for keeping the process clean.

Why Use a Liner?

While you can throw loose food into the bin, most councils recommend using a liner to:

  1. Reduce Smells: Keeps rotting food contained.

  2. Stop "Bin Juice": Prevents liquid from pooling at the bottom of your caddy.

  3. Keep it Clean: Stops food sticking to the sides of your green bin.

Shop Council Compliant Bags

Don't risk your bin being rejected by the truck. All Compostar products are verified AS 4736, making them the trusted Green bin bags Council collectors approve.

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