The community is front of mind as Cardinia Shire Council advocates for the Victorian Government to postpone the implementation date of glass-only bins for all households.
The Victorian Government is standardising household waste and recycling services across the state, which includes all households having a glass only service by July 2027.
An independent research report was undertaken to explore the impact implementing this service may have on households and the environment.
The research found it would cost a typical council about $4 million dollars to implement service, which on average is $27 per household, per year. This would be one of the largest increases to a waste charge Council and our community has seen.
With a positive uptake of the Victorian Government's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) (the 10c refund program for cans and bottles), research showed that making simple changes to expand this program, such as including wine and spirit bottles, would have a similar environmental benefit and be more cost effective.
Cardinia Shire Mayor, Councillor Jack Kowarzik is thrilled with the uptake of CDS in Cardinia Shire.
"I am so proud of how the community has embraced CDS and boosted their recycling efforts. With 10c per container deposited, this also means money going back into our community, local businesses, charities, schools and sporting groups."
"Using existing infrastructure and resourcing to expand the scheme would further encourage these recycling efforts and minimise the financial cost to our community"
Extending the implementation date of the glass-only service provides Council more time to work with the Victorian Government and 32 other Victorian Councils to consider other options such a CDS to ensure the best outcomes for the community and the environment.
