Victorians reject costly fourth bin for glass recycling

Published on 15 June 2026

Nearly 25,000 Victorians have spoken, and the message is loud and clear: they don’t want a costly fourth bin for glass recycling.

The statewide survey led by 35 councils found overwhelming opposition to the proposed, purple-lidded glass-only bin, with 83 per cent of respondents against its introduction. The survey also found that 91 per cent support expanding the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) to include glass wine and spirit bottles.

In Nillumbik Shire, the local sentiment mirrors what people are saying across Victoria.

603 Nillumbik residents had their say and 82.6 per cent are against adding the glass-only bin with 94 per cent wanting the CDS to start taking glass wine and spirit bottles.

The Victorian Government requires local councils to roll out a separate glass-only kerbside service by July 2027. But independent modelling shows this would cost a typical council around $4 million to introduce with ongoing operational costs of $27 per household each year.

With strong community opposition and significant costs, 35 councils have joined forces to call for a more practical, cost-effective solution and urging the state government to reconsider the July 2027 deadline.

Mayor Cr Naomi Joiner said the results reflect what we are hearing on the ground.  

“Our communities have been clear - they don’t want a separate glass-only bin. They want a smarter solution through an expanded Container Deposit Scheme that includes wine and spirit bottles,” said Mayor Cr Joiner.

The state government has previously pointed to a business case on kerbside glass recycling to support its mandate. Councils are asking for this to be released to enable transparent comparison with the independent economic modelling commissioned by councils in 2025.