Tara Murray
A four-bin household waste and recycling system could be a step closer in Brimbank following the announcement of state government funding to help roll out the new system.
Late last month, the state government announced $127 million in funding to help Victorian council buy new bins, improve drop-off facilities, deliver education campaigns and ensure they have the infrastructure in place to roll out the reforms.
The four-bin system will see households have a bin for glass, on top of the normal recycling, rubbish and green waste bins.
In March, Brimbank council called for the state government to help contribute to the council’s transition to a four-bin waste and recycling collection service.
At the time, councillor Virginia Tachos said that the anticipated costs for Brimbank transfer to the four-bin service was estimated to be about $18 million.
She said fast-tracking Brimbank’s transition to a four-bin system could help reduce the impacts of landfill on the municipality.
Mayor Ranka Rasic said the council welcomed the government funding.
“This initiative will help reduce the negative impacts on our environment and provide our community with alternative household waste solutions, having the potential to save more than 17,000 tonnes of waste from Brimbank households from going to landfill each year,“ Cr Rasic said.
“It’s good to be working together to reduce our waste footprint and creating solutions to waste management, rather than continuously using Brimbank as a dumping ground.
“Brimbank council is already doing work to map out a transition plan and looks forward to working with the state government to introduce the four bin system as soon as possible which will maximise the benefits of the proposed system for our community.”
Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the government would work hand in hand with councils.
“By collecting glass separately, we can make sure more of it is effectively recycled – with jars and bottles transformed multiple times into multiple products,” she said.
“We know all Victorians want to be able to do more to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and use resources wisely – this funding helps to do exactly that.”
