Council moved a motion at its February Council meeting to delay the implementation of the four-stream kerbside collection service until the Victorian Government finalises regulations and service standards made under the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021 (the Act).
The Act requires all Victorian local government areas to provide households with a four-stream kerbside collection service with separate services for general waste (red), mixed recycling (yellow), glass recycling (purple) and food and garden organics (green) by July 2027.
Mayor, Cr Tony Clark, said that Council is committed to complying and has already taken steps to meet requirements to increase landfill diversion rates.
“In 2024, Council rolled out a food and garden organics service to township households which has delivered positive environmental outcomes and increased diversion rates from landfill. For nearly two years, township residents have been able to conveniently dispose of their organic waste via their kerbside bin, and rural residents have been able to drop-off their organic waste at transfer stations,” he said.
But despite having introduced the Act, the Victorian Government’s regulations and service standards are yet to be finalised.
“The requirement for a separate kerbside glass recycling service presents logistical and financial challenges that Council cannot commit to until it has a clear path forward from the government,” he said.
“Implementing a new kerbside bin service is expensive, we won’t spend ratepayers’ money until we have certainty, it is the prudent and responsible action to take. We call upon the state government to recognise that the needs of rural communities are different to metropolitan communities. And the guidelines, once completed, should reflect this.’’
“Council remains committed to pursuing circular recycling options where possible, but it can’t proceed to comply with standards that are not yet finalised,” said Cr Clark.
Story based on a Council media release
