New Collection Baskets to Boost Recycling
Published on 01 July 2026
Southern Grampians residents will soon have a new way to recycle on the go, with innovative Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) basket attachments to appear on public bins across the Shire.
Residents will be able to separate eligible drink containers from general waste, helping to reduce landfill, increase recycling and create opportunities for community members to collect the 10-cent refund available through Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme.
To ensure baskets are installed where they will have the greatest benefit, Council will consult with Progress Associations and community groups across the Shire as locations are confirmed.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr Dennis Heslin said the initiative is a practical example of how small changes can deliver significant environmental and community benefits with baskets coming to every Southern Grampians town.
"Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme has already changed the way many people think about recycling, and these baskets are the next step in making it easier for residents to do the right thing wherever they are," Cr Heslin said.
"Rather than throwing eligible containers into a bin, people can place them in the basket where they can be collected by anyone and returned through the scheme for a refund.
"The concept is simple. If you don't want the refund yourself, you can leave the container for someone who does."
The rollout follows the success of similar programs trialled across the Yarra Ranges, Mornington Peninsula and City of Port Phillip, where simple wire baskets attached to public bins significantly reduced the number of recyclable containers going to landfill.
Audits conducted during the Yarra Ranges trial found a remarkable 74 per cent reduction in eligible drink containers being disposed of in bins where baskets were installed.
Operating on a "take a penny, leave a penny" philosophy, the baskets provide a respectful alternative to searching through rubbish bins while helping recover valuable recyclable materials.
Container Deposit Scheme hubs on Kennedy Street in Hamilton and Whyte Street in Coleraine have already proven popular with local residents, helping divert thousands of containers away from kerbside bins and reducing pressure on waste services.
Council reminds residents that only eligible CDS Vic containers can be placed in the baskets.
This program has been supported by an $8,000 grant from VicReturns.
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