Compostable bags can go into some Australian green or FOGO bins—but only when the local council accepts them.
Requirements vary between councils and waste processors. Some accept certified compostable caddy liners, some require council-supplied liners and others ask residents to place food scraps directly into the bin.
Before using any liner, check your council’s current FOGO rules.
What Is a FOGO Bin?
FOGO stands for Food Organics and Garden Organics.
A FOGO service collects accepted organic materials, which may include:
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Fruit and vegetable scraps
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Meat, bones and dairy
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Leftovers
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Coffee grounds and tea leaves
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Grass clippings
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Leaves and small garden prunings
The collected material is processed into compost rather than being sent to landfill.
A garden-waste-only green bin is different from a FOGO bin and may not accept food scraps or liners.
Why Ordinary Plastic Bags Do Not Belong in Green Bins
Conventional plastic bags do not break down during commercial composting.
When placed in FOGO, they can:
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Contaminate organic material
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Leave plastic fragments in finished compost
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Interfere with processing equipment
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Increase sorting and processing costs
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Cause contaminated material to be sent to landfill
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Result in the household bin not being collected
Bags described only as “biodegradable” are not necessarily acceptable. Unless the required compostability certification is displayed, they should not be treated as approved compostable liners.
Which Compostable Bags Are Accepted?
There is no single rule covering every Australian council.
For example:
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NSW EPA guidance permits AS 4736-certified compostable kitchen-caddy liners in FOGO.
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The City of Melbourne allows green liners displaying AS 4736 or AS 5810 certification.
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Some Western Australian councils require the AS 4736 Seedling logo.
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Other councils accept only the liners they supply directly.
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Some services prefer an unlined kitchen caddy.
The certification required in one area may not be accepted in another.
What Is the Difference Between AS 4736 and AS 5810?
AS 4736: Commercially Compostable
AS 4736 applies to products designed for controlled commercial composting facilities.
These facilities manage temperature, moisture, oxygen and processing time. This is commonly the standard required for council FOGO caddy liners.
AS 5810: Home Compostable
AS 5810 applies to products tested for well-managed home-composting conditions.
An AS 5810-certified bag may be suitable for home composting, but that does not automatically mean it is accepted in a commercial FOGO system.
Likewise, a product carrying only AS 4736 certification should not automatically be placed in backyard compost.
Can the Wrong Green-Bin Bag Result in a Fine?
Potential consequences depend on the council.
A contaminated green bin may result in:
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An educational tag or contamination sticker
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A written warning
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The bin not being emptied
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A request to remove incorrect materials
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Suspension or removal of the collection service
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Additional charges
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An infringement or fine for repeated contamination in some council areas
There is no single nationwide household fine for placing a plastic bag in a green bin.
For example, some councils state that repeated contamination may result in a fine or removal of the collection service. Others focus on education and warnings.
Using a certified compostable liner cannot guarantee that a warning or penalty will not be issued. The liner, its certification and everything placed inside it must comply with local requirements.
How to Use Compostable Liners Correctly
Before placing a compostable bag into your green bin:
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Confirm whether your green bin is FOGO or garden-waste only.
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Check whether liners are accepted.
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Identify which certification your council requires.
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Use only the approved size, colour or type of liner.
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Confirm that every item inside the bag is accepted.
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Do not add pet waste unless your council specifically permits it.
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Keep compostable products out of standard recycling.
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Review council requirements periodically because rules can change.
When in doubt, leave the item out and check your council’s waste guide.
Can Dog Poop Bags Go into FOGO?
Usually not, unless the council specifically accepts pet waste.
Dog faeces may contain pathogens, parasites and intestinal worm eggs. Many councils require dog waste—even when collected in a compostable bag—to go into the general waste bin.
Never assume that a compostable dog poop bag belongs in FOGO solely because the bag is certified.
Can Other Compostable Products Go into FOGO?
Not automatically.
A council accepting certified caddy liners may still exclude:
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Compostable food packaging
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Disposable gloves
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Dog poop bags
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Cutlery
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Coffee cups
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Cling wrap
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Compostable shopping bags
Approval for kitchen-caddy liners does not mean every certified compostable product is accepted.
What About Bonnie Bio Compostable Bags?
Bonnie Bio compostable rubbish bags and bin liners provide an alternative to conventional plastic for homes, workplaces and businesses.
Bonnie Bio product pages identify the materials, dimensions and compostability standards applicable to each product.
Before using a Bonnie Bio liner in FOGO:
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Check the certification shown on the individual product
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Compare it with your council’s requirements
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Confirm that the bag size and contents are accepted
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Follow the council’s disposal instructions
Bonnie Bio products carrying AS 5810 certification should only be placed in a council green bin where AS 5810 liners are expressly accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can compostable bags go into every green bin?
No. Green-bin and FOGO requirements vary between councils.
Is biodegradable the same as compostable?
No. Biodegradable is a broad term and does not automatically mean the bag meets a recognised compostability standard.
Is AS 5810 accepted in FOGO?
Only by councils or processors that expressly accept it. Many services require AS 4736 instead.
Can compostable bags go into recycling?
No. Compostable plastics generally contaminate conventional kerbside recycling.
Will using a compostable liner prevent a fine?
No guarantee can be given. The certification, liner and contents must all comply with the local council’s rules.
What should I do if my council does not accept liners?
Place food scraps loose in the FOGO bin or use paper or another method approved by your council.
Choose the Correct Bag and the Correct Bin
Certified compostable liners can support food-waste recovery when they are accepted by the local composting system.
Checking your council’s rules takes only a moment and can help prevent contamination, rejected collections and possible penalties.
Explore Bonnie Bio compostable bags and bin liners, then confirm the certification and disposal requirements for your local area before placing them into a green bin.
