Let’s be clear on glass: Council joins statewide advocacy campaign

Published on 15 May 2026

Hepburn Shire Council (Council) has joined more than 30 councils across Victoria in the Let’s Be Clear on Glass campaign, calling on the Victorian Government to extend the deadline for the rollout of kerbside glass collection services.

Council recently became a member of the Glass Advocacy Group, an alliance of Victorian councils advocating for practical, cost-effective alternatives to the proposed mandatory glass-only kerbside bin system, part of the Victorian Government’s kerbside waste reforms.

The group is urging the Victorian Government to pause the rollout and work collaboratively with councils to identify smarter, more efficient solutions.

“For many years, residents have successfully recycled household glass items, such as jars and wine and spirits bottles, through yellow-lidded kerbside bins and drop-off points at transfer stations,” said Council Mayor, Councillor Tony Clark.

“Financial modelling shows that introducing a separate kerbside glass service would increase costs for both Council and residents, while operational and regulatory uncertainties add further risk.”

As part of the campaign, councils are calling on the Victorian Government to explore alternative approaches. These include expanding the container deposit scheme to include wine and spirits bottles, bringing Victoria into line with similar programs in other states.

This advocacy aligns with Council’s February resolution, which called on the Victorian Government to extend the rollout deadline, release service standards, and further investigate alternative solutions such as expanded drop-off points and an enhanced container deposit scheme.

“Council looks forward to working with other members of the Glass Advocacy Group on solutions that are cost-effective and deliver the best outcomes for our community,” Cr Clark said.

Residents can learn more and share their feedback at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/glass