Council Delays Fourth Bin

Published on 15 April 2026

Southern Grampians Shire Council has resolved to delay the introduction of a compulsory glass recycling bin, pushing back on State Government legislation that would produce extra costs to ratepayers.

At the 14 April meeting, Council accepted recommendations to delay the rollout of the glass kerbside service to formally write to the State government seeking an extension of the July 2027 rollout deadline, and to advocate for the removal of the legislated requirement for a mandatory glass service.

The Circular Economy Act 2021 requires councils across the state to introduce a dedicated, purple-lid glass bin by 1 July 2027. A glass bin roll out across the Shire will cost ratepayers an estimated $1,000,000 during the first year and additional $150,000 in subsequent years to maintain the service.

Council has complied with all requirements of the act so far including the introduction of kerbside FOGO collection because of the clear benefits to community and the environment. This initiative has resulted in over 2,000 tons of material diverted from landfill.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr Dennis Heslin questioned the benefits of the glass bin to the community.

“People are really doing it tough right now, introducing another bin to comply with an act passed five years ago doesn’t match the reality we’re in right now,” said Cr Heslin.

“With cost of living where it’s at, we need to be sure any new services introduced will genuinely benefit our community and right now, we’re not convinced that this one does.”

Southern Grampians Shire has over six thousand rateable properties which would require the compulsory kerbside glass collection service. This would mean the average property would have to pay an additional fee of approximately $137.29 in the first year.

“When the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) was introduced, we saw an immediate and significant reduction in the volume of glass in Council recycling stream, leaving Council questioning the need for this service.

“These additional costs will be a significant impost to residents for a service that realistically, we as a community do not need,” said Cr Heslin.

“Council has elected not to action the glass bin roll-out as mandated until the kerbside standards are released with details on the future glass service operational model, and Council has completed local community consultation.

“In addition, the absence of the service standards for glass collection services does not provide a sense of confidence to Council to implement a mandatory service of this expense. Council has now voted to advocate to State Government to remove the legislated requirement for a mandatory glass service in communities like ours where it might not make sense. We will now do everything in our power to get the message across.”

Council has implemented a number of new waste initiatives in recent years, mainly focused on increasing service to the community. These included free green waste disposal days, out of kerbside zone vouchers and cardboard separation.

For more information about Councils waste services, please head to our website. To stay on top of all things Council, subscribe to our monthly Enews.

-Ends-