Many people ask the same simple question: “Where can I buy FOGO garbage bags?”
I’ve seen this question on search engines, Google forums, and especially Reddit. Some local governments distribute them, some don’t. Some stores sell them, but the signage in some stores isn’t clear enough.
So I wrote this guide to help everyone easily find what they need. If you’re a first-time FOGO user, or you’ve run out of garbage bags, this guide will help you find what you need easily.
What Are FOGO Bags?
FOGO means Food Organics and Garden Organics.
It’s a waste system used by many councils in Australia.
FOGO bags have many different names, including FOGO bin liners, kitchen caddy liners, food waste bags, and green bin liners. A FOGO bag is a compostable bag designed to collect food scraps in a way that is safe for industrial composting.
There are three types of garbage bags:
- Compostable garbage bags – decompose in commercial composting systems. This is the type of garbage bag you need.
- Biodegradable garbage bags – break down into small pieces, but are not entirely safe. Most local governments do not allow the use of these types of garbage bags.
- Plastic bags – strictly prohibited in Found-in-Order (FOGO) facilities.
Why certification is necessary?
Compostable garbage bags typically have two common labels:
- AS4736 – certified for commercial composting.
- AS5810 – certified for home composting.
If the garbage bag has an AS4736 label, most local governments will accept it.
If the label only says “biodegradable” or “degradable,” avoid using it. These types of garbage bags do not completely decompose.
Where to Get Fogo Bags
This is the part most people search for. There are five main places to get them: council, supermarkets, hardware stores, online shops, and bulk suppliers.
I’ll walk you through each one.
Local Councils (Sometimes Free)
Some local councils provide garbage bags to residents free of charge. Others sell them at a low price. A few councils do not provide garbage bags at all.
You can usually collect them at:
- Council offices
- Libraries
- Community centres
- Waste and recycling centres
Here’s a simple rule:
If your council provides kitchen waste bins, they usually also provide garbage bags.
Common examples:
- Perth – Several councils provide compostable garbage bags that meet AS4736 standards free of charge.
- Sydney – Many councils require the use of garbage bags that meet AS4736 standards, but they are not always provided free of charge.
- Brisbane/Adelaide – Some councils provide a limited number of free garbage bags each year.
If you are unsure, check your council’s website. Most councils will list the collection locations directly.
Supermarkets
Most shoppers expect to find garbage bags at regular supermarkets, and you can indeed find them – although stock may vary.
You’ll find:
- Woolworths – Sometimes sells compostable garbage bags. Please look for the “AS4736” mark on the packaging.
- Coles – Similar product range; check the packaging carefully.
- ALDI – Seasonal items; generally good quality.
Friendly Reminder:
Many “eco-friendly” or “plant-based” garbage bags are biodegradable, not compostable.
Always look for garbage bags with the AS4736 mark.
Hardware Stores
These stores usually have the most reliable stock.
Common Options:
- Bunnings – One of the easiest places to find certified FOGO eco-friendly garbage bags.
- Mitre 10
- Home Hardware
Garbage bags from hardware stores are generally more durable. If you’ve ever had the problem of those thin, easily torn garbage bags from supermarkets, then a hardware store is a better option.
Online Stores
If you prioritize convenience or need garbage bags of a specific size, online stores offer a wider selection.
Popular Ordering Channels:
- Amazon Australia – Many brands offer packaging bags certified to AS4736.
- eBay – Ideal for finding bulk order options.
Brand Websites, such as:
- Compost-A-Pak
- BioBag
- EcoGreen
- Glad Compostable
Online products usually include complete certification information, making it easier for you to choose the right one.
Business Bulk Ordering Options
If you operate a cafe, restaurant, aged care kitchen, childcare center, or bakery, you may need larger quantities of packaging bags.
You can order cartons directly from:
- Compost-A-Pak
- BioBag
- EcoGreen
- Packaging Wholesalers
- Office and Industrial Supplies Stores
Bulk orders for packaging bags are generally cheaper per unit and usually ship faster.
City-by-City FOGO Bag Rules
Not every city handles FOGO the same way. Some require bags. Some say you don’t need them at all.
Sydney
- Most councils accept only AS4736 bags.
- Some provide free rolls when the system is first introduced.
- You can buy more from local stores.
Perth
- Many councils do not require bags.
- They encourage placing scraps directly into the caddy and rinsing it after.
- If you want bags anyway, hardware stores carry good options.
Melbourne
- Rules differ across councils. Some require compostable liners. Others accept loose scraps.
- Always check your local website or call the council office.
Adelaide
Several areas provide limited free rolls of compostable liners for FOGO bins.
Brisbane
- Some Brisbane suburbs are rolling out FOGO in stages.
- Bag requirements vary until the rollout is complete.
Comparison of the Best FOGO Bags
| Brand | Strength & Reliability | Certification | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compost-A-Pak | Strong and reliable | AS4736 certified | Local stores, online | Australian-made; widely used by councils |
| BioBag | Good strength | AS4736 certified | Many councils, online, hardware stores | Very common in council starter kits |
| Glad Compostable | Decent strength for small caddies | AS4736 certified | Supermarkets (Woolworths, Coles) | Best for 8L–10L kitchen caddies |
| EcoGreen | Moderate strength | Usually AS4736 certified | Online and wholesalers | Affordable; good for bulk buying |
| Supermarket Home Brands | Varies by product | Check packaging | Woolworths, Coles, ALDI | Cheapest option; quality depends on the batch |
Which FOGO Bin Liner Size Do You Need?
| Bag Size | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8L Bags | Small kitchen caddies | Ideal for singles or small households; reduces waste sitting time |
| 10L Bags | Standard council-issued kitchen caddies | Most common size; fits the majority of FOGO kitchen caddies |
| 20L Bags | Larger kitchen bins | Also works well as liners for medium compost bins; good for families |
| Wheelie Bin Liners | Outdoor green bins | Large compostable liners; not required by all councils |
How to Choose the Best FOGO Bin Liners
Choosing a good FOGO bin liner is simpler than it looks. The most important thing is the AS4736 certification. This badge tells you the bag can break down safely in commercial composting. If the packaging only says “biodegradable,” it’s not good enough. Those bags turn into tiny plastic pieces, and most councils reject them.
You can also think about strength. Some compostable bags are thin and tear easily if they sit too long or get too wet. If you’ve run into that problem before, look for brands known for durability, like Compost-A-Pak or BioBag. The right size matters too. Most kitchen caddies use 8L or 10L liners, but larger homes may prefer 20L liners to avoid changing bags too often. Pick something that fits your caddy, holds food scraps without leaking, and meets the rules in your area.
Where to Get Free FOGO Bin Liners
Some municipal councils provide free FOGO garbage bags to residents, but not all. If your area offers free garbage bags, you can usually pick them up from the municipal office, library, community center, or local waste disposal station.
The number of free garbage bags varies by location. Some municipal councils provide a small number of bags annually, while others only provide them when you first collect your kitchen garbage bin.
The easiest way to find out if your municipal council offers free garbage bags is to check their website or call the waste disposal department. They will tell you what garbage bags are available and where to collect them.
If your municipal council does not offer free garbage bags, you can still purchase certified compostable garbage bags from supermarkets, hardware stores, or online stores.
FOGO Bin Liner Alternatives
Some councils allow you to skip the bags entirely.
Common alternatives:
- Paper bags – Acceptable in many areas.
- Newspaper liners – Cheap and easy.
- No liners – Simply wash the caddy daily.
These options reduce plastic use and cost nothing.
Troubleshooting — Common FOGO Liner Problems
People often say their bags leak or break. That happens when the bag sits too long or gets too wet.
Here’s what helps:
- Empty your caddy every 1–2 days.
- Add a layer of paper at the bottom.
- Keep the lid closed to reduce moisture.
- Freeze fish scraps until pickup day to reduce smell.
These small habits make the bags last longer.
FAQs
Where can I get FOGO bags for free?
Some councils provide free rolls. Check your council’s website or call their waste department.
Are biodegradable bags OK?
No. They break into microplastics. Most councils reject them.
Do supermarkets sell FOGO bags?
Some do, but check for the AS4736 label.
Can I put scraps directly into the bin?
Many councils allow this. Just rinse the bin afterward.
What is the best brand of FOGO bags?
Compost-A-Pak and BioBag are highly rated and widely used.
Conclusion
Finding FOGO bags doesn’t have to be confusing.
You can get them from your council, supermarkets, hardware stores, online shops, or wholesalers. The key is choosing AS4736-certified bags that your local council accepts.
If you’re ever unsure, your local council website is the most reliable source. They decide which bags can go into their system.
Once you know what to look for, it becomes routine.
