The Victorian Government is one step closer to a comprehensive four bin recycling system, with $127 million available to support all 79 Victorian councils to buy new bins, improve drop-off facilities, deliver education campaigns and ensure that they have the infrastructure in place to roll out these reforms.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio announced the funding today to support Victorian councils to transition to the new statewide household waste and recycling system including delivering a new purple bin to households for separate glass recycling.

Glass, when mixed with other recyclable materials, shatters and contaminates valuable, easy to recycle materials such as paper and cardboard. This reduces the quality of these materials and their ability to be recycled. By separating glass effectively, more materials from the comingled bin can also be recycled.

Councils will share in more than $86 million to deliver the new four bin services with standardised bin-lid colours, making it easier for Victorians to recycle.  This funding will ensure that all Victorian households have access to a consistent four bin waste and recycling service.

An additional $40.9 million will support councils, business and communities maximise recycling, creating new jobs and supporting local manufacturing. The recycling sector creates 9.2 jobs for every 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled, compared to 2.8 jobs for the same volume sent to landfill.

This funding will make sure our regional communities, in particular, are ready for these reforms, with improved drop off facilities at resource recovery centres to collect food organics, garden organics and glass.

In partnership with councils the Victorian Government will deliver a reliable and consistent statewide recycling system through better household recycling, improved infrastructure, and stronger industry regulation.

The Victorian Government has provided $515 million to deliver the biggest transformation and reform of Victoria’s waste and recycling system in our states history. For more information vic.gov.au/recycling.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Victoria’s local councils are on the frontline of these reforms. We are working hand in hand with councils to ensure they have the resources they need to roll out these reforms in every corner of the state.”

“By collecting glass separately, we can make sure more of it is effectively recycled – with jars and bottles transformed multiple times into multiple products.”

“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.”