Food and drink container recycling trial in our parks

Council is trialling new bins in two parks to reduce waste and protect the environment for future generations.

What's happening?

From November 2025, the new bins will enable the community to:

  • Recycle food scraps in a green lid FOGO bin (Food Organics Garden Organics)
  • Donate bottles and cans in a bin cage for our community to access and recycle through Return and Earn to get the 10c refund

This trial will make it easier for everyone to recycle and reduce waste, even when out and about.

Where is the trial?

You’ll find the new bins in:

  • Pioneers Memorial Park, Leichhardt (near the main entrance)
  • Enmore Park, Marrickville (between the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre and the playground)

We’re starting small, and if it goes well, we’ll look to expand to other parks.

Yes

  • Fruit and veggie scraps
  • Bread and leftovers
  • Bones and seafood shells

No

  • Dog poo
  • Plastic or packaging
  • Fruit stickers
  • General rubbish

Visit the FOGO page for more detailed info.

We’ve made it easy to do the right thing:

  • Clear signs on the bins
  • Garbage bins nearby
  • Special lids that stop big rubbish from going in
  • Our team checks the bins before emptying

If a FOGO bin has too many wrong items, it will be emptied as garbage, and we’ll update our website on how it's going.

We’re spreading the word through:

  • Information stalls in these parks
  • Signs on the bins
  • Posters at Council service centres
  • Newsletters and social media

You can put bottles and cans in the Return and Earn cage next to the bins. Other members of our community can claim the 10c refund. It’s a great way to help the planet and support others in our community.

Fun fact: The cages were made by The Bower using old bike parts that couldn't be reused – a great example of local reuse and circular economy! Visit the Inner West Sustainability Hub for more great ideas like this.

Find all locations here.

Options near the trial parks include:

  • Norton Plaza, 101c/55 Norton Street, Leichhardt
  • Bulk Depot, 54 Smidmore Street, Marrickville

Our team will empty and clean the bins regularly. If you would like to know more about the trial, or if you see a bin that needs attention, please get in touch using either of the following methods:

Page last updated: 17 Oct 2025