Victorians are expressing frustration over the introduction of a fourth bin designed for glass disposal, claiming it is proving to be ineffective as many find little use for it.
The purple-lidded bins are gradually being distributed to households throughout the state, with a plan for every resident to have one by July 2027.
This new addition aims to complement the existing waste management system, which includes red, green, and yellow bins.
However, over 30 local councils have already voiced their opposition to the Victorian government’s initiative, questioning both its efficiency and the financial implications.
Now, residents have joined in the criticism, sharing that the bins have arrived but are rarely filled.
One resident noted, “My purple bin hasn’t been put out for collection yet. I’m curious to see how long it takes to fill up. So far, it’s been 13 months.”
‘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 second said.
‘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,’ another added.
Backlash is mounting on a state government’s new four bin policy, with many councils joining the call for a change to the rollout
‘I have a purple bin for certain types of glass but I would be struggling to get it a quarter full in six months,’ a fourth said.
Others claimed there were more pressing issues in the state that needed to be solved.
‘Hey Victorians, you still can’t tap on and off public transport with your credit card but at least you’ll have a purple bin,’ one said.
‘Wouldn’t it be five bins including the machete bin?’ a second said.
‘Machete bins, purple bins and now for the Allan bins,’ another said.
‘Would it be alright if I cut the purple bin up and put it in the yellow bin as it is recycling?’ a fourth said.
The comments refer to the Allan government’s $13 million rollout of the Machete Amnesty Safe Disposal Bins in a bid to clamp down on knife crime in the state.
To install each bin, it cost $325,000 – roughly the same price as a Ferrari.
Dandenong Council initially raised similar concerns before backing the implementation in October
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 chalk up $3.6million for the project, but for a nearby municipality, it will be close to $6million.
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.
