BASSENDEAN’S recycling rate declined while Mundaring and Kalamunda’s have improved and the City of Swan remains the same, according to the latest WA waste and recycling report.

In its key findings the Waste Authority said the three-bin Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) system was the best performing kerbside system for material recovery.

“Three-bin FOGO systems had an average recovery rate of 58 per cent, compared with only 14 per cent for two-bin systems,” the report said.

Kalamunda’s 2023-24 recycling rate was 39 per cent, which was a 4 per cent increase from the previous year.

Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said the city spent $24.6 million for materials and contracts in 2023-24, which was a decrease of $3.1m compared to the previous financial year.

“Waste collection services are included in this category, however, specific costs for waste and recycling contracts are not publicly disclosed due to commercial confidentiality,” she said.

Ms Thomas said community sentiment on the FOGO system was being monitored but had been generally positive.

“The improved recovery rate is largely due to the introduction of the FOGO system and the community’s strong engagement with correct bin use.

“Reports from our FOGO processor in February 2025 indicated contamination rates as low as 1-3 per cent, which is a strong result.”

She said an increase to 39 per cent was an encouraging sign that the city’s waste diversion efforts were making a difference.

“While there’s still room to grow, this improvement reflects meaningful progress toward our long-term sustainability goals.”

In the 2023-24 reporting period, Bassendean’s recycling rate was 41 per cent with more than 7000 tonnes waste collected and about 3000 tonnes recycled.

Bassendean’s current rate was down compared to the 2022-23 period, when 6949 tonnes were collected and 4036 tonnes recycled which resulted in a 58 per cent recycling rate.

Echo News asked Bassendean why the town’s recycling rate declined by 17 per cent and if they thought the FOGO system was working effectively but a spokesperson said the town was not able to comment.

In the 2022-23 and 2023-24 period, Swan’s recycling rate remained at 25 per cent.

With the FOGO system paused in the city as reported in City of Swan pauses FOGO rollout (Echo News, April 11), Echo News asked the city if the results of the report would affect its decision on whether to resume FOGO but the city is yet to respond.

In the 2023-24 reporting period, Mundaring’s recycling rate was 55 per cent, up from 48 per cent the year prior.

The shire was contacted for comment.