Victorians have claimed the rollout of a fourth bin across the state is already backfiring, with many saying they barely use it. The purple-lidded bins are slowly being delivered to homes across the state, with all residents expected to have one by July 2027. The bin is intended for glass disposal, adding to the existing red, green, and yellow bins.
Councils and Residents Push Back
More than 30 councils have pushed back against the Victorian government, raising doubts about the policy's effectiveness and cost. Residents have now joined the backlash, with many revealing that the bins have been delivered to their homes but are rarely used.
One resident stated, 'My purple bin hasn't hit the kerb yet. I'm seeing how long it takes to fill it. So far we are at 13 months.' Another said, 'I've had the purple bin for a year and it has two jars in it. It will never be put out for collection.' A third added, 'The only thing I would put in there is the occasional tomato sauce bottle or an old Vegemite jar, so it would take me years to fill up.'
A fourth resident remarked, 'I have a purple bin for certain types of glass but I would be struggling to get it a quarter full in six months.' Others claimed there were more pressing issues in the state that needed to be solved, such as public transport payment systems.
Comparisons to Machete Amnesty Bins
Some residents made sarcastic comments about the new bins, referencing the Allan government's $13 million rollout of the Machete Amnesty Safe Disposal Bins, which aimed to clamp down on knife crime. Each of those bins cost $325,000 to install, roughly the same price as a Ferrari. One resident quipped, 'Wouldn't it be five bins including the machete bin?' Another said, 'Would it be alright if I cut the purple bin up and put it in the yellow bin as it is recycling?'
Council Concerns Over Costs
Manningham Council mayor Jim Grivas told Yahoo News there was 'a better and cheaper way' to recycle glass that did not involve introducing another bin. 'This is a costly policy that will hit households year after year, at a time when people are already under pressure,' he said. Dandenong Council initially raised similar concerns before backing the implementation in October. The council is expected to spend $3.6 million on the project, while a nearby municipality will face costs close to $6 million.
Dandenong councillor Rhonda Garadis is calling for a review of the council's position. 'With ratepayers under pressure, council finances strained, and an energy crisis looming, adding a new cost of purple bins, despite the success of the container deposit scheme and without an opt-out option or clear rollout plan for apartments, means this needs a rethink,' she told the Dandenong Star Journal. 'Strained budgets, an energy crisis, and no opt-out - ratepayers shouldn't be forced to carry this cost right now.'
Campaspe Shire Council mayor Daniel Mackrell said paying for the new policy was unnecessary since the current system was already doing its job. 'With fuel prices rising and longer distances to travel in regional Victoria, it makes no sense to add extra trucks for glass collection when a proven alternative already exists,' he said. Daily Mail contacted Monash City Council and Greater Geelong City Council for comment.
