Community feedback has shaped the design of a full cost recovery waste charge to be introduced in Monash from July 2026.
Monash Mayor Cr Paul Klisaris thanked residents for taking the time to understand the waste charge and promised more communication ahead of its implementation.
"We know how important waste and recycling services are to our community.
"The cost of managing waste is rising much faster than council rates. Introducing a separate waste charge will help us manage increasing waste costs more fairly.
"We heard from almost 1,000 people during consultation.
"We know that the cost of living is on everyone's mind and people are concerned about adding any further strain to household budgets.
"There was strong support for providing discounts for anyone on the age pension, disability support pension, carer payment, JobSeeker payment, youth allowance and single parenting payment.
"We will also provide a safety net for people experiencing hardship and households with lower property values.
"We heard that it is unfair that smaller households and people who are doing their best to reduce their waste are paying the same as others.
"We will investigate the option of introducing a smaller 80 litre bin at a cheaper price point for households to respond to this feedback.
"There were calls for transparent information about waste costs and how the charge is calculated. We will provide this in further communication ahead of introducing the charge.
"We also heard strong opposition to the Victorian Government's introduction of a glass bin.
"We will continue our advocacy to the Victorian Government to expand their Container Deposit Scheme and delay the introduction of an additional glass bin service," said Cr Klisaris.
