Residents in the City of Whittlesea can expect a new 120-litre purple bin for glass waste from August, following the State Government’s requirement of a four-bin waste system.
At last month’s council meeting, City of Whittlesea administrators decided to award a contract to J.J Richards and Sons for gathering glass bins, while Visy Recycling was given the contract for collecting glass waste.
Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the community was showing support for the need to improve sustainability.
“We know our community is committed to reducing waste and by providing a separate bin for glass, we can more effectively recycle the glass,” she said.
A City of Whittlesea survey earlier this year gave residents an opportunity to provide input on the council’s waste service.
Ms Wilson said the survey received significant results, given that most of the community was keen to reduce waste.
“The survey showed majority support for glass recycling however we will continue to work with the community to address any concerns they may have with the new bin,” she said.
All households across Victoria are required to have access to glass recycling services by 2027, however the City of Whittlesea is providing the service earlier to coincide with its Rethinking Waste Plan 2021-2030.
“Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill by 68,000 tonnes each year and the amount of waste generated per person by 20 per cent are just some of the targets set out in council’s Rethinking Waste Plan,” Ms Wilson said.
“Our new glass recycling service is just one step that will help us work towards that goal.”
Ms Wilson said council was mindful of the impacts of the pandemic and the cost of living, and would continue to subsidise waste charges for the next four years.
“The increase for the waste and recycling charge for the 2022-23 financial year will be 13.8 per cent, which covers a rise in the landfill levy of $20 per ton and the new glass service,” she said.
“Our waste charges remain significantly less compared to other councils who are facing similar challenges with the increasing costs of waste disposal and the requirement to transition to a four-bin system.”
