The Challenges of Introducing FOGO in Strata Buildings: What Every Building Manager Needs to Know

With NSW councils mandated to roll out FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) services by 2030, many strata buildings across Sydney are facing significant operational and compliance challenges. While FOGO is a major step forward for sustainability and landfill diversion, it presents unique issues for apartment complexes not originally designed for managing food waste.

Unlike standalone homes, strata properties must contend with shared waste areas, limited bin room space, strict fire and hygiene regulations, and resident behaviour—making the rollout of FOGO far more complex.

Why Strata Waste Systems Weren’t Built for FOGO

Historically, most strata buildings were designed to handle only general waste and recycling, with green waste either absent or limited to communal gardens. These bin rooms are now being asked to accommodate a third—and far more demanding—stream: food organics.

Key challenges include:

• Limited bin room capacity — FOGO bins usually outnumber previous green bins due to the higher volume of food waste.

• Odour and hygiene risks — especially in summer or in poorly ventilated spaces.

• Fire safety compliance — older bin rooms may not meet modern standards for ventilation, separation, and drainage.

• Garbage chutes not compatible with FOGO — residents must take food waste to bin rooms, requiring education and behaviour change.

• Planning regulations — FOGO is now embedded in Development Application (DA) conditions, Development Control Plans (DCPs), Local Environmental Plans (LEPs), and approved Waste Management Plans (WMPs). Strata buildings that don’t comply may face penalties or delays in approvals.

FOGO vs Previous Bin System: Why Cleaning Demands Are Higher

Compared to previous systems (general + recycling + limited green waste), FOGO bins require more intensive, frequent, and professional cleaning. Here’s how they compare:

Aspect	FOGO Bins (Food + Garden Organics)	Previous Bin Setup (General + Recycling + Limited Green)
Odour risk	High – decomposing food emits strong smells	Low to Moderate – general waste had some odour; recycling minimal
Pest attraction	High – flies, maggots, rodents, cockroaches	Moderate – mostly an issue with overflowing general waste
Cleaning frequency	Weekly – ideally after every collection	Monthly or reactive – typically cleaned when complaints arise
Cleaning method	Pressure washing with disinfectants and odour neutralisers	Water rinse or basic detergent sufficient
Health & hygiene risk	High – risk of bacteria and vermin in communal spaces	Low – unless neglected
Council compliance risk	High – FOGO contamination is taken seriously. In NSW, collected FOGO is processed into compost used in agriculture, landscaping, and land rehabilitation, and must meet strict contamination thresholds (often under 2%). Recycling streams, by contrast, allow more contamination before rejection, though they are still monitored.	Low to Moderate – general waste is landfilled; recycling compliance enforced but with more tolerance
Operational cost	Higher – due to frequency, chemicals, and effort required	Lower – fewer cleans, less odour, lower risk

Why Professional Cleaning Support Is Now Essential

With FOGO in play, strata buildings can no longer rely on ad hoc bin cleaning or reactive maintenance. Without proper hygiene, buildings face:

• Council penalties for bin contamination

• Missed or rejected bin collections

• Pest infestations and odour complaints

• Breaches of waste-related DA conditions or WMPs

• Unhygienic shared environments for residents

At M&I Cleaning and Waste Management Services, we help strata properties manage these challenges with tailored cleaning solutions aligned with council regulations and resident expectations.

Our FOGO-focused strata cleaning services include:

✅ Scheduled cleaning and disinfection of all bins and waste rooms

✅ Use of commercial-grade deodorisers and sanitisers

✅ Pest deterrent treatments in high-risk areas

✅ Signage and education tools to reduce contamination

✅ Support with waste audits and compliance reporting

Preparing Your Building for the 2030 Mandate

Strata managers and committees should begin planning now to avoid last-minute retrofits and compliance issues. We can help:

• Audit your current bin room layout and storage capacity and provide recommendations

• Review your Waste Management Plan (WMP) to include FOGO infrastructure

• Assist with the engaging with your local council on rollout timelines and design standards

• Assist with educating residents early on proper food waste separation through signage

• Manage odours, hygiene, and service reliability

  
  

Need help with strata cleaning?

M&I Cleaning and Waste Management Services works with strata buildings across Sydney to maintain clean, compliant, and resident-friendly waste areas—today and into 2030.

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