New rules on what goes in green lid bins
Published: 13 Mar 2025 10:37am
Changes have been made to what residents can and cannot place in the green lid bins, also known as FOGO – food organics and garden organics bins.
Previously, items such as paper towel, cardboard, bamboo utensils, timber offcuts and tea bags were permitted in the green lid bins, however, changes implemented by the EPA NSW (Environmental Protection Authority) mean these items must now go in either the red or yellow lid bins.
Food and garden waste are now the only items permitted in the green lid bins.
Gregadoo Waste Management Centre Facilities Manager Andrea Baldwin says Council understands the changes may be confusing, but they are necessary to create quality compost from the organic waste material.
“Items such as carboard, paper, timber offcuts and teabags were previously able to go in the green lid bins, but due to the EPA’s findings these items were contaminating the compost made from the green lid bin waste, they must now go in the other bins,” Ms Baldwin said.
“We understand this change may initially be confusing for residents who have developed habits based on what they were told when the green lid bin system was introduced, but we must adapt these habits to ensure the compost that is created from the green lid bin waste is organic.
“The changes are effective now, which means residents are asked to start sorting their household waste accordingly.”
A reminder that compostable liners supplied by Council are the only bags permitted in the green lid bins.
A new roll is delivered to every household in the Local Government Area each year. If you need more liners, or need a new kitchen caddy, visit the Customer Service desk at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre.
For more information visit our Green lid bin changes webpage.
Items permitted in the green lid bin:
- Fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy products, baked goods
- Loose tea leaves and coffee grounds
- Shellfish shells, eggshells and bones
- Garden waste – tree and grass clippings
- Small amounts of soil, fallen leaves
Items not permitted in the green lid bin should go in:
- Cardboard and paper that is clean goes in the yellow lid bin
- Cardboard and paper that is soiled with food and oil goes in the red lid bin
- Single-use utensils go in the red lid bin (unless recyclable)
- Pet waste, kitty litter, fur, hair, feathers and vacuum cleaner dust go in the red lid bin
- Tea bags go in the red lid bin (loose tea leaves can go in the green lid bin)
- Treated timber offcuts go in the red lid bin in small amounts (large amounts must be taken to a waste management centre)
If you’re unsure which bin an item should go in visit our A – Z Guide.