Recyclable glass collection is a step closer for Corangamite Shire.
At its February meeting, Council awarded a five-year kerbside collection contract to Wheelie Waste. The contract includes provision to add a new 120L bin and monthly glass collection, transport and processing.
Council will continue to lobby the State Government for funding to reduce costs to the community.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein said glass recycling under the State Government's 'Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021' would have a cost to provide.
"But it also has many benefits for improving the quality of our communities co-mingled recycling and the ability to re-use it," Cr Gstrein said.
"Under the new Act, glass recyclables will no longer be able to be recycled through the yellow comingled recycling bin.
"Council will provide information on the changes to the recycling collection as the new contract approaches.
"Please continue recycling your glass in the yellow recycling bin. If you aren't sure what can go in each bin check Council's website for an A-Z guide for which bin."
Council provides a three-bin kerbside waste collection service to over 5,500 premises in most towns across the Shire.
This service includes weekly collection of 120L wheelie bins for landfill and alternating fortnightly collection of 240L recyclables and food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bins. Council also provides weekly FOGO collection between October and January. It also services street litter bins.
The addition of a glass bin reflects the community's desire to improve their recycling.
In December 2020 and January 2021, a Council survey collected residents' thoughts on glass separation. The survey included four options and the clear preference was to keep the current service level and add a fortnightly glass bin.
The survey found residents with young families depend on a weekly waste service for disposal of nappies, and did not want to lose the opportunity to recycle.
With a fourth bin, residents will be able to reduce contamination of the recycling bin and divert glass from landfill.
Rollout of the service is expected by the end of this year.
