Gosnells’ long-awaited food waste recycling program GOsFO hits a snag as partner company enters liquidation

The City of Gosnells has scrapped its long-awaited food waste recycling program after the company behind the project ran out of money.

The Gosnells Food Organics (GOsFO) program was due to begin early last year, but was pushed back to March due to equipment delays. More than one year later, the city announced GOsFO will be placed on hold until further notice.

“The City of Gosnells is saddened to announce that our pilot program for food waste recycling, GOsFO, has been suspended,” the city wrote on its website.

“Our partner Goterra entered liquidation on 10 July 2026, after entering into a period of voluntary administration.”

Food waste processing start-up company Goterra will be wound up and liquidated, it was confirmed earlier this month, after its administrators received no viable proposals to continue.

The innovative business used black soldier fly larvae to turn organic waste into animal feed and fertiliser, but operating losses have overpowered its growing revenue over the past few years.

Goterra entered voluntary administration in June to try to save the business, but a lack of sale offers due to its “significant funding requirements” - according to a report prepared for creditors - resulted in the recommended liquidation.

City of Gosnells chief executive officer Ian Cowie told PerthNow all residents who opted into the program have now been notified of the cancellation, and did not incur any costs.

“The city is disappointed the innovative GosFo pilot program with Goterra was unable to proceed as planned,” he said.

“All residents who registered their interest in participating in the program have been advised of the situation by the city.”

The GOsFO program was supposed to be offered to 2000 participants for $80 per financial year. Participating households would receive a 140-litre burgundy bin for their organic waste, as well as a 5-litre benchtop bin with compostable liners.

The plan was for the city to collect the waste weekly from the verge and deliver it to the new Goterra facility in Maddington.

Mr Cowie confirmed the city is now considering other options.

“The city is currently investigating alternative options for delivering an opt-in food waste program for interested residents,” he said.

“The city continues to encourage residents to consider alternative uses for food scraps through household worm farms or composting where practical.”