KINGSTON Council is pushing back against plans to introduce glass recycling bins across Victoria.
The state government is directing all Victorian councils to introduce a glass recycling bin by the middle of next year. At their most recent meeting, Kingston councillors voted to advocate for changes to the proposal.
Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley said that the introduction of a fourth bin would be an unreasonable financial burden on ratepayers. “The introduction of a separate glass bin is estimated to cost around $3.7 million upfront, with ongoing costs of about $1 million every year, costs that would ultimately be passed on to our ratepayers,” she said.
“Council is committed to reducing waste and improving recycling, but this proposal comes at a very high cost for our community. There are smarter, more efficient ways to manage glass recycling that don’t place an unnecessary financial burden on households.”
Cr Oxley said that existing recycling systems are working adequately. “We’ve already seen a significant reduction in glass going into household recycling bins thanks to the Container Deposit Scheme, and Kingston residents are making great use of those facilities,” she said. “With relatively small amounts of glass remaining in household bins, adding another bin to every property is an expensive solution for a diminishing problem.
“Many households simply don’t have room for another bin, and we’d also see more collection trucks on our roads, adding to traffic and environmental impacts.”
In a statement, Kingston Council said it is “advocating alongside other councils for more practical and cost-effective alternatives, such as expanded container deposit schemes and communal glass drop-off points.
“Kingston will now join the let’s be clear on glass multi-council advocacy campaign urging the state government to reconsider or revise the requirement for a separate household glass bin service.”
Kingston Council is asking residents to have their say on the plan by visiting kingston.vic.gov.au/glass-recycling.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 13 May 2026