Let's be clear on glass

Council is working to increase waste diversion and reduce the amount of material sent to landfill. This aligns with the Victorian Government’s Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021 (CE Act).

Under the CE Act, all Victorian councils are required to introduce standardised household waste and recycling services by 1 July 2027. These services must include separate collections for:

  • Glass recycling
  • Food organics and garden organics (FOGO)
  • Mixed recycling
  • General rubbish
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Timeline

2021

The Victorian Government introduced legislation requiring councils to provide four separate waste and recycling services: general rubbish, mixed recycling, food and garden organics, and glass.

2022

Council adopts Sustainable Hepburn 2022–2026, an integrated environmental strategy focused on:

  • achieving beyond zero emissions
  • protecting the natural environment and biodiversity
  • reducing waste (including introduction of a food and organics service)
  • building climate resilience.

2023

Council announces that township residents will receive a weekly food and garden organics collection starting in early 2024. Read more about the announcement.

2024

A weekly FOGO service is introduced for township residents, increasing diversion from landfill and supporting compliance with requirements.

2025

2026

February: Council resolves to delay decisions on expanded kerbside services until:

  • Victorian Government service standards are finalised
  • the current kerbside contract concludes (July 2028).

Council also continues to:

  • advocate for the release of standards
  • explore alternative options, including expanding the Container Deposit Scheme and introducing glass drop-off points. 

Read more about the Council decision.

March: Council joins a Glass Advocacy Group, reinforcing its call for clarity from the Victorian Government.

May: Residents are encouraged to have their say through the cross-council survey “Let’s be clear on glass recycling.” 

Frequently asked questions

What is Council's position on an extra glass bin?

We are part of the advocacy group that includes over 30 councils across Victoria. We are asking the Victorian Government to finalise the standards of how the four-streams are required to be rolled out and explore alternatives.

Would a glass bin add extra trucks to our streets?

Yes.

Would an extra glass bin cost ratepayers more money?

Yes. The exact cost for our Council has not been determined. Independent economic modelling found rolling out a fourth bin in just 22 councils would cost $75 million plus significant ongoing collection, maintenance and processing costs.

Is Victoria’s approach different from the rest of Australia?

Yes. The Container Deposit Scheme has recently been expanded in other states to accept wine and spirit bottles in the near future. 

What is Council’s specific request?

Delay the 2027 mandate and finalise the service standards and regulations;

Acknowledgement of Council’s concerns regarding financial viability;

Exploration of alternative options to kerbside collection, including:

  • expanding the Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles
  • glass drop-off points.

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