Murrindindi Shire Council is rolling out a new four-bin kerbside collection service to help improve recycling in our community, as part of Victoria's statewide waste and recycling reform.
Most residents across the Shire will soon receive new bins. Please note that these bins must not be used until 30 June 2025, when the new kerbside collection schedule begins.
Residents in township zones will soon receive a:
- green-lidded bin for food and garden organics
- purple-lidded bin for glass bottles and jars
- kitchen caddy to collect food scraps, which can be emptied into the green bin when full.
Most rural residents will receive a purple-lidded bin for glass recycling. Some rural residents who currently do not have a kerbside service will begin receiving one from 30 June, as collection routes are expanded. These properties will receive three bins:
- a red-lidded bin for general rubbish
- a yellow-lidded bin for mixed recycling
- a purple-lidded bin for glass recycling
A green-lidded bin for food and garden organics will be optional for rural residents along Council's collection routes. Residents who wish to opt in must notify Council by 15 May to ensure delivery before services begin.
Rural residents who choose not to opt in to the food and garden organics service are reminded that food scraps and garden waste must not be placed in any of the other bins, as this will contaminate the recycling and interfere with proper processing and recovery of materials.
Businesses and commercial operators will have the option to access some, or all the services based on their needs. All businesses will soon receive a purple-lidded bin for glass recycling. Businesses without on-site residences can choose to opt out of all services or select from the following service options:
- standard four-bin service (general rubbish, mixed recycling, food and garden organics, and glass recycling)
- standard three-bin service (general rubbish, mixed recycling and glass recycling)
Additional bins or upgraded sizes are available, with additional charges applying.
From 30 June, the kerbside collection schedule and frequency will change:
- General Rubbish: fortnightly instead of weekly
- Mixed Recycling: fortnightly (no change)
- Food and Garden Organics: weekly (new service)
- Glass Recycling: every four weeks (new service)
In Council's draft Annual Budget 2025/26, it is proposed that there will be no additional cost to households for these two new services. The cost for a standard four-bin service will be the same as the current two-bin service. Rural residents who do not opt in to food and garden organics will pay slightly less. Households that have not previously received a kerbside service will have now see a service charge added to their rates.
Murrindindi Shire Council's Sustainability and Assets Portfolio Councillor Sue Carpenter said the rollout aligns with the State Government's requirement for all Victorian councils to introduce a four-stream waste system by 2027.
"All councils in Victoria are mandated by the State Government to provide a four-stream service, and we're focused on making sure these new services work for our community."
"Most residents will shortly receive new bins, but we kindly ask you not to use them until 30 June 2025. Your new bin(s) will come with a Kerbside Collection Guide to help you understand how to use them correctly."
"Rural properties will have the option to receive a food and garden organics service. Please let Council know if you would like this service by 15 May, so we can arrange delivery of your green-lidded bin. This service will allow you to recycle food scraps and garden clippings and will cost the same as the current two bin service."
"The biggest change will be general rubbish collection moving from weekly to fortnightly. We understand some households have people in nappies or medical waste to dispose of, so we're offering additional bins or bigger bin sizes free of charge for eligible households."
"We're absolutely over the moon to say that we're proposing no additional cost for residents for these new services. The savings achieved by diverting organic and glass waste to recycling - which is significantly cheaper than landfill – will help offset the cost to Council. This is a great win for our community!", Cr Carpenter added.
"We know change can be challenging, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation as we transition to this new system. If you have any questions about these new services, visit Council's website or give the team a call."
Learn more about the new four-bin kerbside service
