URGENT UPDATE: Residents in the City of Rockingham are expressing outrage over a “disgusting bin crisis” impacting their neighborhoods. Following the implementation of FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) services in July 2025, the local council has cut red-lidded bin collections from weekly to fortnightly, leading to severe frustrations among families.
Local resident Kim Amer, who has been a vocal opponent of this decision, shared alarming concerns about overflowing rubbish. “The stink is unbearable,” Amer stated, highlighting an influx of pests including blowflies, maggots, and crows as a direct consequence of the reduced pick-up schedule.
Authorities confirm that the change was mandated to improve waste management and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, residents are feeling the effects of this policy shift immediately. Amer reported that many families are struggling to fit their waste into the now smaller 140-litre bins, leading to overflowing trash and unsanitary conditions. “We’re being forced to wash our bins with bleach,” she lamented.
The City of Rockingham’s Mayor Lorna Buchan acknowledged the situation but firmly stated that there are “no plans” to revert to weekly collections. She noted that the council has seen improvements in waste diversion rates, increasing from 39% to 57.8% since FOGO’s introduction, signifying that residents are adapting to separating their waste better.
Despite these claims, the community remains unconvinced. Amer insists that the current conditions threaten public health, especially as temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius in the summer months. “We’ve had young mothers contact me saying they can’t open their doors without dozens of blowflies entering their homes,” she revealed, emphasizing the growing concern for families living in the area.
The council’s position stems from guidelines set in 2018, which aimed to align waste management practices with environmental goals. However, residents argue that the quality of life is being compromised for the sake of policy.
As of now, the City of Rockingham is encouraging residents experiencing difficulties to reach out for assistance, but the call for action from Amer and other concerned locals is clear. “We will not stop fighting until this decision is reversed,” Amer asserted passionately.
Stay tuned as this situation develops, and watch for the community’s response to the council’s commitment to maintain the current waste collection schedule. The impact of this “bin crisis” is unfolding rapidly, and residents are determined to reclaim their neighborhoods from what they describe as an “absolute health crisis.”
