Letter to the Editor:
I'd like to thank residents who have recently shared their views in the Chronicle and Standard regarding Council's new four-bin kerbside collection service. While many understand the environmental benefits and long-term cost savings, we recognise that others are feeling uncertain or concerned about the changes.
This is a significant shift, introduced not only to support better resource recovery and reduce landfill, but also to meet mandatory requirements set by the Victorian Government as part of the State's transition to a circular economy.
We welcome these conversations and would like to offer some additional context to help explain why this change is necessary, how it was designed, and how Council is supporting residents through the transition.
Any major change to a long-standing service, especially one as routine and universal as kerbside collection, will prompt questions and adjustments. This is especially true for many rural residents who are now included in the kerbside collection service for the first time, and who have responsibly managed household materials for many years. We respect those efforts and have designed the system with flexibility in mind.
Rural properties along the service route have the choice to opt into the food and garden organics (FOGO) service if it suits their household needs. Many have chosen not to, and that's perfectly fine, however it's important to note that organic material must not be placed in any of the other bins, as this will be treated as contamination.
The reality is that Murrindindi Shire only diverts 32% of household materials from landfill, well below the state average of 49% and 40% for similar rural municipalities. This shows we have more work to do. The new system gives us the ability to catch up and keep more materials in circulation as valuable resources.
This is not just about compliance, it's about fairness for all rate payers now and for future generations, as well as keeping costs in check. The State Government landfill levy is increasing, and the more we send to landfill, the more we all pay. If Council had not acted, residents would be facing higher costs in the near future under the old system.
Some have asked why a property that generates little waste should be included. The answer is that the Government's Circular Economy Act mandates multiple streams of waste collection for residents at the kerbside wherever practicable across the municipality. Murrindindi Shire Council's implementation has been carefully designed to achieve consistency and equity. Like other shared services (roads, libraries, emergency support etc.) a universal base system ensures it's fair and functional for the whole community. Council also offers additional support, including extra bin capacity at no extra cost for households managing higher garbage volumes due to nappies, incontinence products, or medical needs.
It's worth noting that burning refuse on rural properties, while once common, is not an environmentally sound solution, contributing to air pollution and undermining resource recovery efforts. Safe, managed collection is now the best practice.
This change is about building a smarter system that treats materials as resources, not rubbish. Together, we can reduce what goes to landfill, reclaim more value, and shape a system that serves our community now and into the future.
Council has promoted the new system extensively through direct mail to every household, and paid advertising in local newspapers and on radio, Council newsletters, and online channels. We have launched the "LoopedIn Councils" app to set reminders, check collection schedules, and know which bins to put out when. Comprehensive information, including feedback from the extensive community consultation that informed the service design, is available on our Bins, Rubbish and Recycling page
