Glass bottle and jar bins on the way

Published on 21 February 2024

More than 5,500 premises across Corangamite Shire are about to get a fourth wheelie bin for bottles and jars.

Under the State Government’s ‘Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021’, glass recyclables will no longer be able to be recycled through the yellow comingled recycling bin.

Cr Jamie Vogels, who represents Corangamite on the Barwon South West Local Government Waste Forum, said the glass bins would be collected monthly with the first collection in May.

“With a fourth bin, residents will be able to reduce contamination of the recyclable materials and keep glass out of landfill,” Cr Vogels said.

“Glass will no longer be able to go in the co-mingled recycling bin with paper and plastics as glass breakages contaminate other recyclables.

“Only glass bottles and jars can be accepted in the purple bin.

“Other types of glass, like windows and Pyrex, have different melting points and can’t be turned into bottles or jars.

“The new bin will make the recycling process more efficient and will mean less materials going to landfill

“If you aren’t sure what can go in each bin check Council’s website for an A-Z guide for which bin.”

Coordinator Waste and Environmental Sustainability Sofia Myers said kerbside collection customers will get a new 120L bin on their regular collection day in April.

“It will take 2-3 weeks to complete the roll-out across the Shire,” Ms Myers said.

“Glass collection will be once a month, so there will be less wear on the bin.

“To lengthen the lifespan of the older bins, the red lidded ones will be re-fitted with a purple lid to become the glass bin. The red lid will go on the new bin.”

The Victorian State Government Circular Economy (Waste and Recycling) Act 2021 aims to increase the amount of material that can be recycled up to 80% by 2030. Corangamite Shire’s kerbside waste diversion is currently at 63%.

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