Kingston residents have sent a clear message to the Victorian Government; they do not want a costly fourth bin for glass recycling.
The results come from a statewide survey led by a group of 35 councils campaigning against the Victorian Government's requirement for councils to introduce a separate, purple-lidded glass recycling bin by July 2027.
Across Victoria, 83 per cent of nearly 25,000 respondents opposed the proposed glass-only bin, while 91 per cent supported expanding the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) to include glass wine and spirit bottles.
In Kingston, the sentiment was even stronger, with more than 85 per cent of local respondents opposed to the separate glass bin and more than 96 per cent wanting the CDS expanded to include wine and spirit bottles.
Kingston Mayor Georgina Oxley said the results showed the community was looking for a practical and cost-effective approach to glass recycling.
"Kingston residents have been very clear that they want a smarter approach to glass recycling, not another bin at the kerbside," Cr Oxley said.
"We're already seeing the benefits of the Container Deposit Scheme, with less glass going into household recycling bins. Adding another bin to every property, along with another collection service, is an expensive response to what is now a much smaller problem.
"Many Kingston households simply don't have room for a fourth bin, and we'd also see more collection trucks on our local roads, adding to traffic and environmental impacts.
"The community is telling us there is a better way forward. Expanding the Container Deposit Scheme to include wine and spirit bottles would build on a system that is already working, rather than creating another costly kerbside service."
The Victorian Government has mandated that councils introduce a separate glass-only kerbside collection service by July 2027.
Independent modelling commissioned by councils has estimated that introducing the service could cost a typical council around $4 million upfront, with ongoing operational costs of around $27 per household each year.
Kingston is joining with 34 other councils to call on the Victorian Government to reconsider the July 2027 deadline and work with councils on a more practical approach to glass recycling.
Councils are also calling for greater transparency around the Government's decision, including the release of the business case used to support the glass recycling mandate so it can be considered alongside the independent economic modelling commissioned by councils.
Cr Oxley said councils supported improving recycling outcomes but needed the flexibility to deliver solutions that worked for their communities.
"We absolutely support recycling and reducing waste, but we also have a responsibility to make sure we are delivering services that provide real value for our community," Cr Oxley said.
"We're asking the State Government to listen to what councils, and our communities are telling them and reconsider the current approach."
