A recycling revolution is coming! New glass bins will change the way we recycle in Yarra
Sunday 16 August 2020
Yarra City Council is revolutionising the way we recycle by introducing a new glass bin.
The new glass bin, which has already been trialled across 1,300 households in Abbotsford for the past year, will be rolled out across 54,000 households and businesses across Yarra during the next few months.
By the end of November all households, businesses and apartment blocks serviced by Yarra Council will receive a separate purple-lidded bin for recyclable glass, including jars and bottles.
The first collection of the new glass bins is planned for Monday, 23 November.
Yarra Mayor, Cr Misha Coleman said this was the next step in Yarra’s recycling revolution and would reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill.
“Yarra has always been recognised for being innovative and progressive and this project is a great example of that,” Cr Coleman said.
“We are leading the way when it comes to recycling and making a valuable contribution to fixing the recycling industry” Cr Coleman said.
“Changing our recycling behaviour will not only reduce waste and the amount of waste being sent to landfill, but it will also educate everyone on how they can recycle better.”
By the end of November everyone in Yarra (except those who have a private waste service) will be asked to separate their recyclable glass waste from their other recycling, change what goes into their yellow-lidded recycling bin and change when they put their bins out.
Along with the new glass bin, residents will also receive an information kit which will provide details on what goes in each bin and when each bin will be collected.
Cr Coleman encouraged residents to embrace the change and be part of something very special.
“This is an opportunity for all Yarra residents to help tackle Australia’s recycling crisis,” she said.
“From now on Yarra will only be collecting the recycling that can be processed here in Australia, which not only creates more local jobs but also has significant environmental gains as well.”
If you have any questions feel free to call us on 9205 5555 or email [email protected]
From November we are introducing a new glass-only recycling bin.
Every household, business and building will receive a new purple-lidded bin to separate glass bottles and jars from other recyclables.
This will revolutionise how we recycle in Yarra.
By separating glass from your other recyclables we’re able to improve the quality of what we collect, and use what’s thrown out to make something new.
Glass creates problems for our recycling system. It often breaks and gets mixed in with plastics and paper, making these items harder to recycle.
Your yellow-lidded bin is still for other recycling (such as clean paper, cardboard, plastic water bottles and aluminium cans), but what can go into this bin is changing.
How and when will my recycling change?
We're working towards the first glass collections starting later this year. This date may change due to impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Before the changes begin we’ll send you an information kit with everything you need to know to make the change. Until then please keep recycling as normal.
When the new service begins we’ll be asking everyone in Yarra to:
separate glass items from other recycling by using your new purple-lidded bin
change what goes in your yellow-lidded recycling bin
change when you put your recycling bin out.
All Yarra residents (except those in the Abbotsford trial area) will receive a new 80-litre purple-lidded bin. This bin is for glass only.
If you live in an apartment block, we’ll provide you with a shared bin.
If you live in Abbotsford, you have already been trialling the new glass bin. You’ll have the option to receive a new 80-litre glass bin following the initial rollout.
You’ll be keeping your yellow-lidded recycle bin for all your other recycling needs. This will be collected every fortnight, alternating week to week with your glass bin.
To make these changes easier, we’ll be sending you a full information kit. This will tell you exactly what goes in each bin and what you need to do.
Why do we need a separate glass bin?
We’re introducing a separate glass-only bin to improve the quality of recyclable materials.
Glass often breaks in the collection process and makes plastics and paper harder to recycle.
Separating glass items makes it easier to make new glass products such as bottles, jars and even to re-surface roads.
Why do we have to change what we put in each bin?
For a long time, Australia has relied on other countries to take and process our recycling. These markets are no longer accepting our recycling.
This means that some things we used to put in our recycling bins – like milk and juice cartons, aerosol cans, bottle lids and some plastics – can no longer be recycled. You will need to put these in your rubbish bin.
By recycling correctly you’re helping to grow our local recycling industry and what can be recycled here in the future.
Why do we need to change how we recycle?
We want to help fix the recycling industry. By collecting only the recyclable materials that can be processed in Australia, we’re helping to create local jobs and making sure recyclables don’t end up in landfill or aren’t sent overseas.
Something simple we can all do to help is separate our waste at its source – our homes. It’s good for local jobs, the environment and our future.
It’s the circular economy in action and it’s part of a state-wide plan to waste less and recycle more.
What can I do in the meantime?
There are everyday things you can reduce what goes into your waste and recycling bins.
Ditch the plastic produce bag and switch to a reusable cloth alternative.
Make sure items you put in your mixed recycling bin are clean and have no food left on them.
Collect your soft plastics, such as plastic bags, cling wrap and bubble wrap, and drop them off at a RedCycle station at participating supermarkets.
Reuse glass jars to store nuts, rice, grains and flour to keep them fresh. Store open packets of pasta in an airtight container.
Don’t buy pre-packed fruit and vegetables. Instead opt for loose carrots, tomatoes, avocados and lettuce.
