New FOGO Laws NSW: What Businesses Need to Know About Pest Risks
- Benjamin Askew
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
If you run a food-related business in the Illawarra or Shoalhaven, there’s a major change coming that you need to be aware of.
The NSW Government has introduced new FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) laws that will affect how businesses manage their waste—and it could have a direct impact on pest activity in and around your premises.
At Five Islands Pest Solutions, we’re already helping businesses prepare.
What are the new FOGO laws?
Under the Protection of the Environment Legislation Amendment (FOGO Recycling) Act 2025, businesses will be required to separate food waste from general rubbish.
Instead of going to landfill, food waste will be collected in dedicated FOGO bins and processed into compost or renewable energy.
When do the changes start?
The rollout will happen in stages, based on how much waste your business produces:
From 1 July 2026 – Large waste generators
From 1 July 2028 – Medium-sized businesses
From 1 July 2030 – Smaller businesses
If your business handles food in any capacity, these changes will likely apply to you.
Who needs to comply?
These laws affect a wide range of businesses, including:
Cafes and restaurants
Takeaway shops
Pubs and clubs
Supermarkets
Aged care and hospitality services
If food waste is part of your daily operations, you’ll need to adapt.
What will your business need to do?
To stay compliant, businesses must:
Separate food waste into designated FOGO bins
Avoid contamination (e.g. plastics in organic waste)
Arrange proper waste collection services
Train staff on correct waste disposal practices
The hidden risk: pests
Here’s what many businesses aren’t being told…
Food waste is one of the biggest attractants for pests.
With increased handling and storage of organic waste, businesses may see a rise in:
Rodents
Cockroaches
Flies
If FOGO bins are not managed properly, they can quickly become a breeding ground for infestations.
Why pest control is more important than ever
Poorly managed FOGO systems can lead to:
Increased pest activity around bins and buildings
Health and safety risks
Failed inspections or compliance issues
Damage to your business reputation
This is where proactive pest management becomes essential—not optional.
How Five Islands Pest Solutions can help
We work with local businesses across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven to stay ahead of pest problems.
Our services include:
Preventative pest control programs
Bin area inspections and treatment***
Rodent monitoring and control
Cockroach and fly management
Tailored plans to support FOGO compliance
*** We also highly recommend you take advantage of a regular bin cleaning service such as that provided locally by Bin Concierge. Check them out at https://binconcierge.com.au/.
Get ahead of the changes
The businesses that prepare early will avoid problems later.
By combining proper waste management with professional pest control, you can stay compliant, protect your reputation, and keep your premises pest-free.
Need help?
If your business is preparing for the new FOGO laws, we’re here to help.
Contact Five Islands Pest Solutions today on 0424 158 828 to book an inspection or discuss a customised pest management plan.
See the Difference!
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