AS4736 Compostable Liners for Council FOGO Programs
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AS4736 compostable liners are widely specified for Australian council FOGO (Food Organics, Garden Organics) programs.
For councils and waste contractors, liner approval is not based on material claims or marketing language.
It depends on whether compostable bin liners meet AS4736 certification requirements and perform reliably in commercial composting systems.
This page explains why councils specify AS4736 compostable liners for FOGO programs, how these liners are evaluated, and what buyers should check when sourcing liners for food and organics collection in Australia.
What Are AS4736 Compostable Liners?
AS4736 compostable liners are industrial compostable bin liners certified to the Australian Standard AS4736.
They are designed for:
Kitchen caddy liners
Food scraps and organics collection
Kerbside FOGO bins used by councils
AS4736 certification confirms that liners meet what makes a compostable bag compliant for use in commercial composting facilities without leaving harmful residues.
Why Councils Specify AS4736 for FOGO Programs
Australian councils operate compostable bags for FOGO systems with strict contamination controls to protect compost quality.
Non-certified or biodegradable liners create risks because they may not fully break down within facility processing cycles. This can lead to rejected loads and lower compost quality.
Councils specify AS4736 compostable liners because they:
Match industrial composting conditions
Provide third-party verified performance
Reduce contamination risk in finished compost
Support clear and enforceable acceptance rules
As a result, biodegradable or non-certified liners are generally not accepted in organics bins under council FOGO programs.
AS4736 vs Other Compostable Standards
Not all compostable standards apply to council FOGO programs.
AS4736 is used in Australia for industrial and commercial composting, while other standards may apply to different environments.
Key differences include:
AS4736 – Industrial composting (FOGO and council systems)
AS5810 – Home composting (backyard systems)
FOGO programs use industrial composting, not home composting.
This is why councils typically specify AS4736, not home compostable certification.
Performance Requirements for Council FOGO Liners
Certification alone is not enough.
AS4736 compostable liners must also perform well during daily use.
Councils and waste contractors often expect liners to:
Hold wet and heavy food waste
Resist leakage during collection
Maintain strong bottom seals
Remain stable during storage and transport
Poor liner performance can cause bin contamination, odour issues, and operational complaints, even when certification is valid.
Compliance vs Acceptance in Council Programs
AS4736 certification confirms compliance, but it does not automatically guarantee acceptance in every council area.
Acceptance is decided by:
Council waste guidelines
Waste contractors and processors
Approved product lists
A liner may meet AS4736 requirements but still need formal council approval before use.
Acceptance follows local organics bin acceptance rules, which may vary by council and waste contractor.
Common Procurement Mistakes Councils Avoid
Experienced councils and contractors avoid common mistakes such as:
- Using biodegradable liners instead of AS4736-certified liners is a common source of biodegradable vs compostable compliance risks
- Confusing industrial compostable liners with home compostable bags
- Accepting expired or incomplete certification documents
- Ignoring storage limits that affect liner strength
Avoiding these issues helps maintain consistent FOGO performance and compost quality.
What Buyers Should Check When Sourcing AS4736 Liners
Before ordering AS4736 compostable liners, buyers should confirm:
Valid AS4736 certification
Certification scope for industrial composting
Clear compostable logos or certification markings
Recommended shelf life and storage conditions
Alignment with local FOGO guidelines
Early checks reduce the risk of rejected deliveries and compliance disputes.
Key Takeaways for Council FOGO Programs
AS4736 is the primary standard for council FOGO liners in Australia
Certification is required for industrial composting systems
Performance during use is as important as certification
Acceptance is determined by councils, not suppliers
Clear documentation helps reduce contamination risk
Related Resources
Need AS4736 Compostable Liners for Council Programs?
Buyers sourcing AS4736 certified compostable bin liners for council FOGO programs should confirm compliance and performance requirements before requesting samples or placing orders.
Explore certified compostable bin liner options or contact our technical team for Australia-specific compliance support.
