Swan Hill Rural City Council has joined 33 other councils across Victoria to launch Let's Be Clear on Glass - a campaign calling on the State Government to delay the rollout of a fourth kerbside bin for glass and instead expand Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme.
Council's Mayor, Cr Stuart King said there are more efficient and affordable ways to improve glass recycling without adding extra bins, trucks and costs for households.
"We believe there's a better way, and we're urging the State Government to pause the rollout and work with councils on a smarter, more cost-effective solution," Cr King said.
Independent economic modelling completed in 2025 shows that introducing a glass-only kerbside bin would cost an average council around $4 million to establish, with households expected to pay about $27 more each year to cover ongoing collection and processing.
"This is a costly policy that will continue to impact households at a time when cost-of-living pressures are already significant.
"Not to mention the operational burdens for regional areas like ours, where longer travel distances and rising fuel costs would further increase the impact of additional collection services," he said.
Instead, councils are advocating for the expansion of Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles - aligning with successful approaches already operating in other states including Western Australia, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland.
Cr King said container deposit schemes are already well understood by the community.
"Building on a proven system is far more effective than introducing an unnecessary fourth bin that will cost residents more," he added.
Councils also warned the proposed rollout would increase truck movements, congestion and emissions, without delivering significant additional environmental benefit beyond existing recycling systems.
Cr King said residents were seeking practical, affordable solutions.
"If you're already feeling cost-of-living pressure and don't want to pay more for a service you already receive, we encourage you to make your voice heard.
Councils are now encouraging communities to support the campaign by completing a short survey and providing feedback on whether they prefer an expanded Container Deposit Scheme or a new glass-only bin.
