Knox is among 39 Victorian councils to date who have united for the 'Let's be clear on glass' campaign, calling on the Victorian Government to pause the mandatory rollout of a costly fourth glass bin. We are calling on the government to release the business case for the glass bin and further investigate expanding the Container Deposit Scheme as an alternative approach to glass recycling.
A recent statewide survey found nearly 86% of Knox residents oppose the introduction of a fourth household bin for glass recycling.
The survey, conducted in May, found that 88% of Knox respondents support expanding the Container Deposit Scheme to include glass wine and spirit bottles, seeing it as a more effective way to recycle glass.
Government policy currently requires all Victorian councils to introduce a purple glass recycling bin for all homes by mid-2027. However, independent modelling indicates the service would cost about $1.43 million per year to operate and approximately $27 per household each year, with limited benefits.
Knox Mayor, Councillor Paige Kennett said the survey results showed strong community support for a different approach.
"It is clear that community members agree that introducing a fourth bin would place additional financial pressure on residents at a time when cost-of-living pressures are high," she said.
"Knox residents are already actively using the Container Deposit Scheme, recycling an average of 2.3 million containers a month through local refund points and reverse vending machines.
"Expanding the scheme would give Knox residents an accessible, affordable and environmentally- responsible alternative for recycling glass."
The survey received more than 25,000 responses across Victoria with feedback from Knox residents matching broader statewide results.
Survey results have been shared with the government for consideration.
