Compostable Bags for FOGO Systems: What Buyers Must Know
Table of Contents
FOGO (Food Organics, Garden Organics) systems are widely used across Australia to collect food waste and garden organics for composting.
For councils, waste contractors, and packaging buyers, choosing compostable bags for FOGO systems is not a marketing decision.
It is a compliance and contamination-control decision.
This page explains how compostable bags are evaluated for FOGO programs, why councils set strict rules, and what buyers should understand before sourcing bags for organics collection.
What Are FOGO Systems?
FOGO systems are council-run organics collection programs designed to divert food scraps and garden waste from landfill.
Collected material is sent to commercial composting facilities, where waste must break down within controlled processing cycles.
Because FOGO uses industrial composting, not every bag described as compostable is suitable for use in these systems.
Are Compostable Bags Required for FOGO Bins?
In most Australian FOGO programs, plastic and biodegradable bags are not accepted.
Councils typically allow:
Loose food waste placed directly in the bin, or
Certified compostable bags designed for industrial composting
This approach helps reduce contamination and protect compost quality.
More detail on council rules and acceptance criteria is explained in accepted in organics bins.
Why Councils Specify Certified Compostable Bags
FOGO systems rely on predictable and controlled breakdown.
Certification provides verified proof of what makes a compostable bag compliant within controlled composting systems, rather than relying on material claims.
Councils specify certified compostable bags because they:
Break down within defined composting timeframes
Leave no harmful residues in finished compost
Reduce contamination risk at scale
Provide clear and enforceable rules for residents and contractors
Material claims alone are not enough.
Certification provides verified proof that a bag is compatible with the system.
Which Compostable Standard Applies to FOGO Systems?
In Australia, councils commonly specify AS4736 compostable liners for council FOGO programs to ensure compatibility with industrial composting systems.
FOGO programs use industrial composting, not home composting.
In Australia, councils commonly specify AS4736 compostable liners for council FOGO programs.
AS4736 confirms that compostable bags are suitable for commercial composting environments with controlled heat, moisture, and processing time.
Home-compostable standards are designed for backyard systems and are generally not used in council FOGO programs.
Compostable vs Biodegradable Bags in FOGO Programs
A common misunderstanding is that biodegradable bags are suitable for FOGO collection.
Biodegradable claims do not define:
Composting conditions
Processing timeframes
Residue safety
Because of this uncertainty, biodegradable bags are usually excluded from FOGO systems.
This confusion is often caused by biodegradable vs compostable compliance risks, especially when sourcing products for regulated markets.
Performance Requirements for FOGO Compostable Bags
Certification alone is not enough.
FOGO compostable bags must perform reliably during daily use, including:
Holding wet and heavy food waste
Resisting leakage and tearing
Maintaining strong seals
Remaining stable during storage and transport
Poor performance can cause odour issues, bin contamination, and complaints, even when bags are certified.
Compliance vs Acceptance in FOGO Programs
Certification confirms compliance, but acceptance is determined locally.
FOGO acceptance depends on:
Council waste guidelines
Composting facility requirements
Approved product lists
A compostable bag may meet certification standards but still require council approval before use.
Local organics bin acceptance rules always take priority over general product claims.
What Buyers Should Check When Sourcing Compostable Bags for FOGO
Before sourcing compostable bags for FOGO systems, buyers should confirm:
Valid industrial compostable certification
Certification scope and standard reference
Clear compostable logos or markings
Shelf life and recommended storage conditions
Alignment with local council FOGO guidelines
Early checks help prevent rejected supply and compliance disputes.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
FOGO systems use industrial composting
Not all compostable bags are suitable for FOGO
Australian councils commonly specify AS4736
Acceptance rules vary by council and facility
Performance and documentation are equally important
Related Resources
- What Makes a Compostable Bag Compliant?
- Are Biodegradable Bags Accepted in Organics Bins?
- AS4736 Compostable Liners for Council FOGO Programs
- Biodegradable vs Compostable: Compliance Risks for Importers
Need Compostable Bags for FOGO Systems?
Buyers sourcing compostable bags for FOGO systems should confirm certification, performance requirements, and local acceptance rules before requesting samples or placing orders.
Explore compliant compostable bag options or contact our technical team for FOGO-specific sourcing guidance.
