Victorians Reject Costly Fourth Bin For Glass Recycling

Nearly 25,000 Victorians have spoken, and the message is loud and clear: they don’t want a costly fourth bin for glass recycling.

The statewide survey led by 35 councils found overwhelming opposition to the proposed, purple-lidded glass-only bin, with 83% of respondents against its introduction. The survey also found that 91% support expanding the Container Deposit Scheme to include glass wine and spirit bottles.

In Campaspe Shire, the local sentiment exceeded what people are saying across Victoria.

767 residents had their say, with an overwhelming 94% against adding the glass-only bin, and 96% wanting the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) to start taking glass wine and spirit bottles,

The Victorian Government requires local councils to roll out a separate glass-only kerbside service by July 2027. But independent modelling shows this would cost a typical council around $4 million to introduce with ongoing operational costs of $27 per household each year.

With strong community opposition and significant costs, 35 councils have joined forces to call for a more practical, cost-effective solution and urging the state government to reconsider the July 2027 deadline.

Speaking on behalf of the councils, Councillor Jim Grivas, Mayor of Manningham said the results reflect what councils are hearing on the ground.

“Our communities have been clear – they don’t want a separate glass-only bin. They want a smarter solution through an expanded Container Deposit Scheme that includes wine and spirit bottles,” said Cr Grivas.

Campaspe Mayor Cr Daniel Mackrell highlighted concerns for the regional councils where waste is processed across the border.

“We’re asking communities to take on another bin and more cost, but that glass is still going to a New South Wales processing centre and mixed with other recycling that still includes glass,”

“If it ends up co-mingled with other glass packaging, then the question is – what are we actually achieving with a fourth bin?” Cr Mackrell said.

The state government has previously pointed to a business case on kerbside glass recycling to support its mandate. Councils are asking for this to be released to enable transparent comparison with the independent economic modelling commissioned by councils in 2025.

Who’s involved

The coalition of participating councils are listed below. Note that while 35 councils are involved, we have only included those that have made their support public.