A coalition of 41 Victorian councils is calling on all major political parties to commit to a simple principle: let local councils choose the glass collection model that works best for their communities.
The councils are calling for the flexibility to choose the most effective and sustainable approach to maximising glass recovery in their communities. Their call to elect the relevant parts of the statewide model is supported by industry leaders, including Gayle Sloan, CEO of the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR).
“Victoria has made significant progress in building recycling infrastructure, and our sector supports efforts to recover more valuable materials,” Ms Sloan said.
“Our industry has demonstrated that glass can be effectively recovered through commingled kerbside recycling. The introduction of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme has reduced the volume of glass in kerbside bins while giving households another recovery option and a financial incentive to participate.
“Councils should be able to build on these complementary systems and choose the approach that delivers the best recovery outcomes for their communities.”
The councils point to the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) as a clear example of a recycling initiative that is delivering results for communities, charities and the environment. More than three billion cans and bottles have been recycled since the scheme began in 2023, refunding more than $3 million to Victorians.
“The success of the Container Deposit Scheme shows that practical, outcomes-focused recycling initiatives can deliver real benefits for
communities, charities and the environment. We should build on that success rather than creating unnecessary additional costs,” said Maroondah City Council Mayor, Linda Hancock.
The councils say the focus should now be on maximising the value of existing recycling infrastructure and proven resource recovery systems rather than creating additional costs for councils and communities.
“We are committed to pushing for the removal of this mandate and advocating for the expansion of the Container Deposit Scheme
instead. More bins mean more confusion, contamination, trucks, congestion on our streets and emissions for a service residents
already receive through our current recycling systems,” said Bayside City Council Mayor, Debbie Taylor-Hayne.
“We have worked closely with our community to understand and deliver what works best for our Council area. Decisions about how
glass is collected should be guided by local circumstances and evidence, not by a single statewide model,” said Boroondara Mayor, Wes Gault.
“We’re on the ground with our communities and we know that one size doesn’t fit all. Our residents don’t want this extra bin and they
shouldn’t be forced to have it,” Latrobe City Council Mayor, Sharon Gibson.
City of Greater Dandenong Mayor, Sophie Tan said that to implement the glass-only recycling bin will cost Victorian councils $150 million plus $1.43 million per council per year in operating costs.
“The Victorian Government should focus on maximising the value of infrastructure and recycling systems that are already working.”
“Victoria already has the infrastructure, expertise and a successful Container Deposit Scheme. Building on those strengths is the
smartest and most cost-effective way to increase recycling, reduce waste and deliver value for communities,” said Mayor Tan.
“This isn’t about whether Victoria should recycle more glass. We all agree on that goal. It’s about allowing councils to choose the most
effective and cost-efficient way to achieve better recycling outcomes in partnership with their communities,” said City of Geelong Mayor, Stretch Kontelj OAM.
Campaspe Shire Mayor, Daniel Mackrell says the message to parties is simple:” let local councils decide what’s best for their communities”.
“Campaspe Shire covers a large geographical area and maintains an extensive road network, so any changes to waste collection services
come with significant logistical and financial impacts. At the same time, glass collected locally is already being processed alongside co-
mingled glass from New South Wales, where separate glass collection is not required,” he said.
“Rather than imposing a statewide one-size-fits-all model, councils should have the flexibility to adopt the approach that delivers the best environmental outcomes and the best value for their communities.”
Knox City Council Mayor, Paige Kennett said the councils welcomed the Victorian Government’s investment in recycling infrastructure and shared its commitment to reducing waste.
“The next step is working in partnership with councils to ensure communities have access to the collection models that work best for them,” she said.
Mayor of Southern Grampians Shire Council, Dennis Heslin said the introduction of another bin to comply with legislation passed five years ago does not reflect the reality many households and councils are facing today.
“People are doing it tough right now. At a time when cost-of-living pressures remain significant, we need to be confident that any new service will deliver genuine benefits for our community. At this stage, we’re not convinced that mandatory glass collection meets that test.”
“Southern Grampians Shire Council has elected to delay the roll-out of a separate glass bin service until the Victorian Government releases the service standards outlining the future operational model for glass collection. Without those service standards, Council lacks the certainty and confidence needed to implement what will be a significant and ongoing cost to ratepayers,” he said.
