Community members from Yarra Ranges and across Victoria have strongly rejected a proposed fourth kerbside, glass bin, following a recent statewide survey.
The Victorian Government requires local councils to introduce a separate glass-only service by 1 July 2027.
Independent modelling indicates the rollout of kerbside glass bin service would cost a typical council around $4 million to establish, with ongoing operational costs of $27 per household each year.
A recent statewide survey, led by 35 councils, received 25,000 responses with 83 per cent of respondents opposed to the introduction of the fourth bin.
More than 90 per cent of respondents supported expanding Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme to include glass wine and spirit bottles, bringing it in line with other states.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that the Yarra Ranges community had its position clear.
"We, and 34 other councils, asked the community to share their thoughts on glass recycling in a survey, and more than 2000 Yarra Ranges residents responded," he said.
"Of the locals who responded, 81 per cent were against the introduction of a fourth kerbside bin, and 83 per cent supported expanding the Container Deposit Scheme.
"This aligns with Council's position. In the current cost-of-living environment, we cannot justify a costly new bin rollout that will increase household waste charges for every home, when expanding the Container Deposit Scheme would have a greater benefit.
"As one of the largest metropolitan municipalities, it simply doesn't make sense to add more weekly truck collections, more fuel costs, congestion and emissions for an unnecessary service.
"We should be building on a system that's already in place and works, rather than introducing a costly and duplicative alternative. "Council will continue advocating to the State Government on this issue, alongside partnering councils, for a more practical and cost-effective solution for our community and the environment."
