The City of Stonnington is committed to improving recycling outcomes and delivering value for our community. After careful consideration, Council will not commit at this time to introducing a fourth kerbside bin for glass by 1 July 2027 under the current State Government mandate.
Stonnington Mayor Cr Melina Sehr said Council supports better recycling but cannot ask ratepayers to fund a new service without a credible business case and clear rules.
"Stonnington residents expect us to invest wisely and deliver environmental value. Right now, the case for a fourth bin for glass has not been proven, the service standards have not been released, and the costs would fall on our community," Cr Sehr said.
"What we are seeing on the ground is that existing services already capture glass for recycling, and the Container Deposit Scheme is working. Before we add another bin to already tight properties and streets, the State should finish the standards, publish a transparent business case, and expand the scheme to include wine and spirit bottles."
Council's position reflects its commitment under the Council Plan to consume and manage resources consciously. While supportive of recycling improvements, Council cannot justify introducing an additional, costly and duplicative service without clear environmental or financial benefits.
There is currently no transparent, formal business case from the State Government that demonstrates clear net benefit from a standalone glass-only service. Independent modelling commissioned by councils shows the service would significantly increase costs for ratepayers. The service standards that outline how councils must deliver the new system have been repeatedly delayed and remain unreleased, leaving councils unable to plan or budget responsibly ahead of the 2027 deadline.
Introducing a universal kerbside glass service in Stonnington is estimated to cost more than $1.26 million in capital and $380,000 each year to collect and process.
Councils that have already introduced glass-only bins report low participation, with only 20 to 30 per cent of households using the service and bins on average only 30 per cent full. This creates inefficient truck runs and higher emissions, while the State's Container Deposit Scheme continues to achieve strong results – collecting one billion containers in its first year and reducing mixed recyclables by about 10 per cent.
Cr Sehr said Council will continue advocating for practical, efficient and proven waste solutions.
"Our job is to deliver the best environmental outcome for every dollar we spend. Expanding the Container Deposit Scheme, increasing drop-off options and continuing community education would deliver cleaner glass at lower cost," she said.
There is no change to current services for Stonnington residents. Households should continue using their yellow-lid recycling bin for glass and other accepted materials, and the Container Deposit Scheme for eligible containers.
