Victorian councils rubbish statewide mandate that all homes must have four wheelie bins

Local governments have until 1 July next year to introduce a four-bin recycling system, but some councils – and waste experts – say it’s unnecessary Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast When Victoria embarked on its four-bin system for household waste back in 2020, the goal was to position the state as a leader in recycling. The rollout of a purple-lidded bin for glass – a fourth bin alongside organics, recycling and rubbish – would be a “gamechanging” way to keep glass and other valuable resources out of landfill, then environment minister Lily D’Ambrosio said. Purple bins were trialled in some areas in 2019, with a statewide rollout expected to be completed by 1 July 2027. But as local governments tally the costs of the extra kerbside service – particularly since the launch of the state’s container deposit scheme, which accepts some glass bottles - concerned councils and residents are questioning whether four bins is better than three. “Who has the space for all these bins?” asked one person on social media. “I have had a purple bin for 3-4 years. I have put it out for collection twice,” said another. “Total waste of money.” Four bins for each household bec