The City of Stonnington has commenced a comprehensive review of its waste management service, including the kerbside collection of general rubbish and food organics and green organics (FOGO).
Council currently operates a hybrid service model, with some services provided in-house and others through contractors. The review will consider whether a transition to contracted provision of waste services currently provided in-house would deliver better overall value for the Stonnington community.
Chief Executive Officer Dale Dickson PSM said the decision to review the service forms part of the Council's financial roadmap, which includes a focus on value for money outcomes across its portfolio of services.
"The decision to review the service and explore expanded provision of service by contractors was not a decision taken lightly. Stonnington is one of the last metropolitan councils to still deliver these waste services in-house, with the overwhelming majority of councils contracting them out," Mr Dickson said.
Currently, 83 per cent of metropolitan councils contract general rubbish collection and 90 per cent contract FOGO collection.
"It is essential that Stonnington can continue to provide high value services that meet community needs in a cost effective and efficient manner," Mr Dickson said. "We acknowledge and appreciate the work our in-house waste team has done over many years, however this review is about ensuring our waste service remains safe, sustainable and financially viable in a changing environment."
"We will work closely with our staff, their unions and representatives, through the review process."
A key part of the review will be to undertake market testing to understand the costs and benefits of an alternative service delivery model. To this end, Council will soon run an EOI and Tender process to understand service offerings, innovations and cost of service delivery from the private sector.
Council will consider the outcomes of the market testing exercise and service review in early 2026 before making any decision on the future of its waste management service.
All current services will continue to operate as normal.
"Stonnington residents can expect the same, if not better, standard of service into the future, supported by a modern, adaptable and efficient delivery model," Mr Dickson said.
