The Victorian Government has mandated that all councils roll out separate glass-only bins to households by July 2027.
The government argues this system will simplify household recycling, boost resource recovery rates and significantly cut landfill waste and contamination issues.
The Glass Advocacy Group, representing 35 councils statewide, including Campaspe and Gannawarra, wants the government to postpone the roll-out until national recycling standards and container deposit schemes are properly aligned.
They are also asking for the government to look at alternatives, including expanding the Container Deposit Scheme to include glass wine and spirit bottles.
A statewide survey conducted by the Glass Advocacy Group reveals community opposition to the mandatory glass bin introduction.
Campaspe's survey results were decisive: of 767 residents polled, 94 per cent opposed the glass-only bin, while 96 per cent favoured expanding the Container Deposit Scheme.
In 2024, the council submitted feedback to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to argue local governments should have the flexibility to consider if these services are efficient for their communities.
Since then, council has continued to advocate against the implementation, with Campaspe Shire Mayor Daniel Mackrell concerned with the realities for regional councils where waste is processed across the border.
“We’re asking communities to take on another bin and more cost, but that glass is still going to a NSW processing centre and mixed with other recycling that still includes glass,” Cr Mackrell said.
“If it ends up co-mingled with other glass packaging, then the question is: what are we actually achieving with a fourth bin?”
Gannawarra Shire Council chief executive Geoff Rollinson shared similar sentiments and said it would be an unnecessary extra charge for everyone.
“Financial modelling shows that introducing a separate kerb-side glass service would increase costs for council and residents, while operational and regulatory uncertainties add further risk,” he said.
While the government promises a streamlined, eco-friendly future, regional leaders are left staring at the bottom line.
If the Glass Advocacy Group succeeds in delaying the 2027 deadline, it could force a massive rethink of Victoria’s waste strategy.
But if the state holds firm, residents in shires such as Campaspe and Gannawarra will soon find an expensive new plastic addition to their driveways — whether they want it or not.
