A recycling revolution is coming to the City of Yarra, with a separate bin for recyclable glass to be introduced across the city later this year.

By separating glass from our mixed recyclables we’re able to improve the quality of our recycling, and use what is thrown out to make something new.

This means residents will have three bins to sort their waste and recycling – glass, other recycling and rubbish.

Yarra Mayor, Cr Misha Coleman said, “This lateral approach is the next step in Yarra’s recycling revolution.”

“By collecting only the recycling that can be processed in Australia, we’re helping to create local jobs and making sure recyclables don’t end up being sent overseas or end up in landfill."

“Since June last year, we’ve been trialling this approach across 1,300 households in Abbotsford with great results. Over 102.7 tonnes, or 14 garbage trucks of glass, is now being used in road base to fix up local roads, and becoming new bottles and jars."

“On top of that, the new, purple-lid, glass-only bins will be made from 100% recycled material, made in Australia. Yarra will be the first council in the country to roll this out."

“When we change our waste and recycling service, it will be our chance as a community to lead change and help fix Victoria’s waste and recycling system,” said Cr Coleman.

The roll out of Yarra’s planned four-bin system (trialled in Abbotsford since June last year) has been delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19. In line with the State Government’s circular economy policy, we hope to roll out a fourth bin - for food and green waste - in the future.

Yarra Council voted unanimously to introduce the glass-only bin at its Council Meeting on 23 June 2020. The roll out of the glass-only bins, which will include extensive community education and information for residents, is expected to begin in late 2020.

Why are we doing this?

Glass creates problems for our recycling system. It often breaks and gets mixed in with plastics and paper, making these almost impossible to recycle.

By separating our glass, we are able to protect the quality of materials in the recycling bin and reuse items that can be recycled. 

From now on we are collecting only the recycling that can be processed here in Australia, we will be helping to create local jobs and make sure we keep resources circulating, which are lost when they enter landfill.

We want everyone to be able to embrace this change and help us tackle Australia’s recycling crisis.

You’ll be prepared

Before the changes start, you’ll receive a full information kit with all the details on what you need to do. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Your waste and recycling won’t change without us giving you lots of notice and lots of information. 

Plus we’ll give you plenty of opportunities to learn more and talk to us about the new system. 

Until then, please keep recycling and putting your bins out for collection as usual.

How can I stay up to date?

We’ll be sharing lots of information about the changes – and one way you can stay up to date is through our Yarra Life email newsletter.

Sign up today.

If you have questions or queries, you can also call us on 9205 5555.