Weekly green bin collections

Weekly green bin update — Glen Eira achieves a new recycling record!

In the first six months of weekly green bin collections, the amount of Glen Eira’s waste being recycled and composted has hit a record high.

For the past decade, the percentage of Glen Eira’s waste that is diverted from landfill has been around 50% or lower. Since weekly green bin collections began, the average amount of waste we’ve recycled or composted has increased to 64% — meaning the majority of Glen Eira’s waste is now saved from landfill.

Thanks to your efforts, we have prevented an estimated 6,494 tonnes of carbon emissions being released into the atmosphere from landfill — equivalent to 1,769 cars being taken off the road for a year.

We are now also recycling 45% more food and garden waste in our green bins and 6% more in our yellow bins.

Why is the green bin collected weekly?

Rather than sending food scraps to landfill where they rot and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, food recycled in the green bin creates compost that is used to nourish soils on Victorian farms, parks and gardens.

When green bins were collected fortnightly, waste audits found that 40 per cent of what was in our rubbish bins was still food and organic waste. That means 40 per cent of waste that was going to landfill could be recycled in our green bins. Many community members asked Council to move to a weekly green bin collection to reduce odours and better support food waste recycling.

By emptying green bins every week, it is easier than ever to recycle your food waste.

Can I apply for additional or larger bins?

We understand that some household circumstances have special waste needs. If your household is included in the following groups, you are eligible for a larger or additional red general waste bin and an additional yellow recycling bin at no extra cost:

• families with six or more members
• families with four or more members, where at least one member is a concession card holder
• families with children in nappies
• households with additional waste for medical reasons.

You will need to apply by filling out and submitting a special waste application.  For further information about the special waste application, you can email us at recyclingandwaste@gleneira.vic.gov.au or call 9524 3333.

If you are not eligible for special waste, you can still request additional or larger bins. Just be aware that larger red bins and additional bins cost more and will need approval from your landlord or property ratepayer. Contact us on 9524 3333 or at mail@gleneira.vic.gov.au to organise these bins.

Green bin tips and tricks

• Put your green bin out for collection every week so it can be emptied. Even if it is not full, put your green bin out each week to help avoid odours.
• Use layers of dry materials between food waste. Place an initial layer of garden waste such as dry leaves, grass clippings or garden prunings in the bin to prevent food from sticking to the bottom. If you don’t have a garden, you can use layers of newspaper, pea straw or hay. Add more layers of dry material as the bin fills up to act as moisture buffers and contain smells.
• Keep the bin closed and in a shady spot. Where possible always keep your green bin in the shade and make sure the lid stays completely closed.
• Freeze smelly food scraps. Put particularly smelly foods such as meat, dairy and seafood in a container in the fridge or freezer until the night before collection.

FAQ's