As part of Victoria’s transition to a circular economy, the State Government is creating a standardised system for recycling and waste — the aim is for all households to recycle and sort waste the same way, no matter where you live.
The future of recycling in Victoria
Future changes: Victoria’s standardised bin system
The standardised system will mean all Victorians have access to four recycling and waste streams:
- General waste (with red lidded bins)
- Combined paper, metal and plastic recycling (with yellow lidded bins)
- Combined food and garden waste recycling (with lime green lidded bins)
- Separate glass recycling (with purple lidded bins)
The State Government is also developing standard lists of what is accepted in each bin — so recycling and waste sorting will be the same no matter where you live.
Separate glass recycling service
Glen Eira are not introducing a separate glass service yet. The State Government requires that every council provides a separate glass service by 2027 — we’ll keep you informed on this.
The regulations for how councils must provide waste and recycling services are developed under a ‘Service Standard’. The draft Service Standard was open for public feedback late 2022 and is set to be finalised in 2023.
The draft Service Standard proposes that all metropolitan households receive a purple lidded glass bin to separate glass by 2027 (page 7 of the Service Standards Discussion Paper).
Have Your Say
Consultation on the proposed policy options for the first service standard for the new household waste and recycling system closed 26 October 2022.
Keep up-to-date with the State Government's engagement and community consultation on the proposed changes, visit the Setting the standard for better recycling at home webpage where you select 'follow' on the right-hand side to receive email updates.
FAQ's
Why is Victoria getting a standardised bin system?
It's part of the Victorian Government's circular economy plan, Recycling Victoria: A new economy which aims to improve recycling and reduce waste.
When will recyclable items be the same across Victoria?
There is no set timeline for when Victoria's standard recycling guidelines will be introduced — we'll keep you in the loop with any updates.
The standard lists for what can go in each bin are still being developed and are expected to be open for further consultation in 2023.
The draft lists are in the State Government's Service Standards Discussion Paper (pages 23–36).
What Glen Eira can accept in each of our bins will eventually be updated to align with the standard accepted items across the state.
When will Glen Eira have a separate glass bin or glass collection service?
The State Government requires that every council provides a separate glass service by 2027 under the Recycling Victoria policy.
The development of the Service Standard which details how councils must deliver this service will inform the next stage of planning.
Council will keep the community informed and conduct community consultation before any new service is introduced.
Will the colour of Glen Eira's bins stay the same?
Yes, Glen Eira's standard bin colours are the same as the statewide standardised system.
The standardised colours are:
- Yellow lidded recycling bin
- Red lidded general waste bin
- Lime green lidded food and garden waste bin
If you have an older general waste bin with a dark green or grey lid, let us know and we will arrange for it to be updated to a red lid. Please contact our customer service team:
- Live chat is available on our website Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The link is at the bottom right of this page.
- Email us at mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au
- Call us on 03 9524 3333, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm
If my general waste bin has an older green or grey lid, can I have it updated to a red lid?
Yes, we can arrange a bin lid swap for you. If you would like to have your older bin lid updated to a red lid, please contact our customer service team:
- Live chat is available on our website Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The link is at the bottom right of this page.
- Email us at mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au
- Call us on 03 9524 3333, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm
How can I order a green food and garden waste bin?
If you don't have a green bin for food and garden waste recycling (lime green lid) please contact our customer service team:
- Live chat is available on our website Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The link is at the bottom right of this page.
- Email us at mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au
- Call us on 03 9524 3333, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm
Free kitchen caddies are available to pick up from Glen Eira Town Hall — there’s no requirement to call or email in advance. So, if your household doesn’t have one, you can collect one anytime during opening hours.
Where can I check what goes in each bin?
Want to double check which bin to use?
Check what goes in each bin or search for an item on our A-Z Recycling Guide.
We also have handy recycling posters and resources available to download or print on our Recycling and waste resources page.
