Yarra Ranges Council, along with 34 other Victorian Councils, will push for the State Government to reconsider the mandatory introduction of a kerbside glass recycling bin for all households by 2027.
At a Council meeting on 9 December, Council voted in favour for the deferral of the mandatory implementation of the fourth glass bin for Yarra Ranges seeking alternative options to be explored, including the expansion of the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).
The mandatory service, introduced as part of the State Governent's Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021, must be delivered by all Councils by 1 July 2027.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Richard Higgins said the introduction of a fourth bin was premature, resulting in increased waste costs to community for little to no gain.
"Introducing another kerbside service, at great expense to the community, without exploring other options would be irresponsible," he said.
"The State Government are yet to provide any meaningful data to support the introduction of the new service.
"We're asking the State Government to help us explore other options."
Cr Higgins said that one of the options includes expanding the container deposit scheme, to include wine and spirit bottles for example and increase the number of drop-off locations.
"The container deposit scheme is giving community members the chance to drop off cans and bottles to get money back, which has the side benefit of reducing contamination of other recyclables from broken glass, which happens in kerbside bins," he said.
"For now, we will continue with the current comingled recycling service while we explore the options, including advocating for an expansion of the container deposit scheme to include wine bottles and other containers.
Council will continue to work with the other Councils in advocating for change and the expansion of the container deposit scheme.
