Compostable bags and kitchen caddies FAQs

Do I have to use the compostable bags?

Lining your kitchen caddy with a compostable bag is optional. A sheet of paper towel in the bottom of the caddy, or a quick rinse after emptying will work just as well.

Food scraps can go in your kerbside FOGO bin (lime-green lid) loose, not in a bag. The food scraps and garden waste are not separated before the composting process, so it doesn't matter if they get mixed up in the bin.

Only use 100% corn starch compostable bags in your kitchen caddy because they won't contaminate your FOGO bin, and will fully decompose.

To avoid contaminating the FOGO stream, only use the bags supplied by Council and available, free of charge, from transfer stations and other Council facilities (see list below).

Remember: even though these bags are compostable, there are resources involved to produce and transport them, so minimise their use when you can.

Where can I get more compostable bags?

Rolls of compostable bags (one roll per household) are available, free of charge, from:

  • Anglesea Transfer Station, 50 Coalmine Road, Anglesea
    Open daily 9am to 4pm (closed Christmas Day)

  • Lorne Transfer Station, 370 Erskine Road, Lorne
    Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9am to 12pm
    Sunday 2pm to 5pm

  • Lorne Visitor Information Centre, 15 Mountjoy Parade, Lorne.
    Open daily 9am-5pm (closed Christmas Day)

  • Winchelsea Transfer Station, 55 Cressy Road, Winchelsea.
    Tuesday, Thursday 2pm to 4pm
    Saturday, 1.30 to 3.30pm
    Sunday, 9.30am to 12.30pm

  • Torquay - Council office, 1 Merrijig Drive, Torquay
    Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm.

  • Torquay residential waste and recycling drop-off
    130 Messmate Road, Torquay
    Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, 8am to 12pm
    8am to 12pm on public holidays (closed Christmas Day)

What other bags can I use to line my kitchen caddy?

PREFERRED

The preferred liners are those available from Council, free of charge.

The bags have a shelf life of around 12 months, so stocking up with multiple rolls is not recommended.

If you choose to buy your own bags, use 100% corn starch compostable bags because they won't contaminate your FOGO bin, and will fully decompose.

NOT APPROVED

The following brands have been tested by Council's compost processor and are not approved for use because they did not adequately break down during the composting process, or they contain plastic:

Any other bags, including plastic, degradable, or biodegradable bags, must not be used as they will contaminate the load of food and garden waste. 

Where can I get a benchtop kitchen caddy?

Benchtop kitchen caddies make it easier for people to collect scraps while they are cooking, but there's nothing magic to how they work. You can use any bowl or container, or you can buy a kitchen caddy from Council for $11 at:

 Be sure to check opening status and hours.

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