Glass Recycling Collection Review

Proposed Changes to Glass Recycling Bin Collections

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Thank you for the feedback. We received 289 responses to the survey. Our next steps are to review the feedback and complete a final report with recommendations.

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Engagement information

Horsham Rural City Council asked residents to share their views on a proposed change to the glass recycling (purple bin) collection frequency.

Since glass recycling bins were introduced in April 2023, fewer households have been using the service. Currently, only 18% of households put their glass bins out every four weeks, down from 24% the year before. On average, each bin collected is less than one-quarter full.

What’s Being Proposed

To make the service more efficient and sustainable, Council is proposing to collect purple glass bins every eight weeks instead of every four weeks.

This change would:

• Keep the total amount of glass collected about the same

• Make collection routes more efficient

• Save around $32,000 per year in costs and fuel

• Reduce CO₂ emissions by 8 tonnes per year

• Allow Council to review and improve other waste collection routes

Households that need extra capacity can request an additional 120-litre purple bin at no extra charge.

Why the Change?

The drop in glass recycling has been linked to the introduction of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in November 2023, which has led many residents return eligible drink containers for refunds instead of using their bins.

Have Your Say

Council wants to ensure the waste collection service meets community needs while staying efficient and environmentally responsible.

A four-week community survey ran in November to:

• Gather community feedback on the proposed change

• Understand any differences in usage between urban Horsham and rural townships

👉 How to have your say:

Engagement now closed.

Why it matters

We wanted to hear your views on the proposed changes to kerbside glass bin collection frequency.

Your voice helped to shape the management of glass waste services in our community.