An Australian council’s major overhaul to its bin collection program has sparked outrage from families, amid concerns over “overflowing” waste not being collected.

A controversial council shift to replace weekly general waste collection with a food and garden organics (FOGO) service has drawn criticism from residents concerned about “overflowing” bins.

Wellington Shire Council in Victoria’s Gippsland region alerted residents new 240l FOGO bins would be delivered from July 6, while red-lidded general waste bins would move to a fortnightly collection schedule.

But the move has concerned residents, who have started a petition on charge.org to see their weekly general waste collection continue.

Wellington Shire Council in Victoria’s Gippsland region alerted residents new 240l FOGO bins would be delivered from July 6 and red-lidded general waste bins would move to a fortnightly collection schedule. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

Petition organiser Danielle Azevedo, who has a young family, said her bins quickly filled up with nappies and they thus depended on a reliable waste system.

Ms Azevedo said the bin switch was a widespread concern that was affecting many families and individuals across the community.

She said it was crucial the new system did not compromise regular waste collection and create a significant waste management problem for households.

“Failing to maintain a weekly rubbish bin collection could lead to various negative outcomes,” the petition states.

“Overflowing bins could attract pests and vermin, increase unpleasant smells, and potentially become a health hazard.

“For families with babies, the elderly, or people with disabilities, the sheer volume of waste generated weekly is not something that can be left uncollected without serious consequence.”

The petition urging the Shire to adopt a practical solution and to maintain the current weekly schedule for general waste alongside the FOGO collection has received more than 1800 signatures.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cindy Madeley said introducing FOGO bins would help divert organic waste from landfill while reducing costs under Victorian legislation.

“In Wellington Shire, more than half of the average household landfill bin is made up of food and garden waste, and a further 15 per cent consists of items that should be placed in recycling bins,” Cr Madeley said.

She explained that separating this waste could significantly cut landfill use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and turn food scraps into valuable compost for farms, parks, and gardens.

Ms Madeley also noted that sending waste to landfill is becoming increasingly expensive, with the EPA raising costs each year.

“Over time, it will be more expensive to continue weekly landfill bin collections,” she said.

“By removing food waste from landfill bins, we can extend the life of existing landfill cells and reduce methane emissions.”