As we work toward a more sustainable future, it’s crucial we focus on what’s effective – not just what looks good on paper.
The state government’s push to mandate a fourth household bin dedicated solely to glass collection might seem like progress.
But the reality is an additional financial burden for our residents, who are already grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, when cheaper and more effective solutions are available.
The City of Greater Geelong has completed a detailed analysis which indicates a cost of $7.5 million to $8 million to introduce the glass-only collection service – that’s an extra $50 on your annual rates.
And it’s not just about money.
State government’s new housing target of 128,600 new homes for Greater Geelong by 2051 will require us to ‘build up’ in established suburbs and shift toward higher density living.
Many of our residents already struggle to find room for three bins at home – asking them to manage a fourth bin raises serious practical concerns about space.
While some argue a glass-only bin could reduce contamination in co-mingled recycling streams, the industry is telling us a different story – glass fragments haven’t hindered their ability to recycle effectively.
So why invest millions in a new system that doesn’t solve a problem?
Improving recycling outcomes should be a priority. But when new initiatives come with hefty price tags and logistical headaches, we must pause and ask: is there a better way?
Instead of doubling down on a costly rollout, we should be expanding systems that are already working.
A cheaper and more effective idea is keeping our current three-bin system and expanding Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) to accept glass wine and spirit bottles, as is already the case in other states.
Geelong locals have already returned more than 100 million drinking containers via the CDS since state government introduced it in November 2023.
And local clubs and organisations have embraced the scheme with passion, fundraising for important causes while helping to protect the environment.
Just recently I had the pleasure of meeting North Geelong Secondary College students, who have been using the CDS to fundraise for their upcoming exchange trip to Japan.
Simply expanding this popular scheme to accept a greater variety of containers would offer similar environmental benefits to a glass-only bin, without the price tag.
The City of Greater Geelong, like many councils across Victoria, is urging state government to reconsider its mandate.
Almost two-thirds of Victorian councils haven’t introduced kerbside glass collection and, with the current deadline set for June next year, it’s clear there’s hesitation.
I’ve written to the Minister for Environment, calling for a rethink – or at least a delay – in introducing a purple bin.
Recycling reform is too important to get wrong.
Let’s work together – state and local governments, industry and communities – to develop a system that’s cost-effective, practical and genuinely sustainable.
Because the smartest way forward isn’t always another bin. Sometimes, it’s improving the systems we already have.
