General News
20 March, 2025
Thoughts sought on proposed glass bin service change
The Yarriambiack Shire Council is looking to transition from a kerbside glass collection to a drop-off bin and skip service in each community within the shire and wants to hear from residents.
The council first introduced kerbside glass recycling to meet the State Government's direction to commence the introduction of a four-bin system. Yarriambiack was successful in receiving a grant to roll out the glass bin service.
The glass kerbside collection service has never been popular, with a post-implementation survey demonstrating strong dissatisfaction with it.
Since the start of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in November 2023, the volume of glass collected has dropped by almost 50 per cent, and the presentation of glass bins has decreased substantially.
"Council would like to reiterate that it remains committed to the separation of glass from other recyclables and will continue to support a separate glass service," mayor Zanker said.
"However, we need to look at a more viable and sustainable option of the collection into the future.
"Given the reduction of glass being collected as a result of the Container Deposit Scheme, council is now seeking feedback from the community about the future operation of the glass service."
Residents have two options: retain the current kerbside glass collection, which is provided every two months, or move to a glass drop-off bin and/or skip in each community.
The locations of these bins/skips would be determined in each community.
It should be noted that glass cannot be disposed of in the general waste or mixed recycling bins; it must be separated.
The council also sought residents' feedback regarding a move to a food and garden organics collection service.
The Victorian Government has mandated that council must implement a kerbside Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service by July 1, 2027; however, this service would not be compulsory if residents actively compost food waste at home.
The council would be required to check that any household exemption from the service is genuine.
In planning for this kerbside service to start in July 2027, the community's feedback on frequency was sought.
It should be noted that food and garden organic waste cannot be disposed of in the general waste or mixed recycling bins.
Organic garden waste can still be dropped off at council transfer stations.
"Council values and acknowledges all feedback from the community and wishes to thank you in advance for your input," Cr Zanker said.
Residents can complete the survey relating to both the proposed changes to kerbside glass collection and kerbside Food Organics and Garden Organics by visiting https://www.yarriambiack.vic.gov.au/Engage-With-Us/Share-Your-Feedback.
Alternatively, residents can submit their response in writing to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 243 Warracknabeal, Vic, 3393, before 5pm, Thursday, April 3, 2025.