The Andrews Labor Government is fast-tracking development of regional and rural recycling infrastructure as it streamlines kerbside recycling across the state, while keeping jobs in local communities.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced $20 million to support rural and regional councils as they work towards a four bin, or four service, recycling system that separates household waste into: rubbish, recycling, glass and green waste.

Councils will use the funding to upgrade recycling transfer stations and drop-off points for separated glass and organics as we set up the new four stream household waste recycling service across the state.

This will both keep jobs in the local regional community, while also reducing the amount of waste that travels to metro Melbourne for sorting.

This funding puts the needs of rural and regional communities at the forefront of statewide reforms to our recycling system and will stimulate local economies and create jobs.

A consistent statewide approach to separation of waste in Victorian households will significantly increase the quality of recycled material and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Reform of household recycling across the state is a key initiative of Recycling Victoria – A New Economy, our plan to transform the waste and recycling system. The Labor Government has so far invested $515 million to deliver these once in a generation reforms and build Victoria’s circular economy.

In partnership with local councils the Labor Government will deliver a recycling system the communities can rely on through better household recycling, improved infrastructure, and stronger industry regulation.

The funding is open to 48 rural and regional councils the funding is available from 12 February until 26 March. For more information www.vic.gov.au/recycling.

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

“We are revolutionising recycling across Victoria. By separating household waste into four categories, we’re making the most of the material and making sure we reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill.”

“Our recycling reforms mean that every household can do their bit reducing waste and making sure that recycling is a part of daily life.”

“We know every council works a bit differently and has a unique community. That’s why this funding recognises that there isn’t a one-size fits all recycling solution for rural and regional councils across Victoria.”