Following strong community interest in the recent State‑wide Glass Bin Advocacy Group survey, Council is launching this local survey to collect detailed information specific to our Shire.

The earlier advocacy survey was designed to support collective lobbying to the Victorian Government about concerns with the proposed introduction of a mandatory glass‑only bin service. This new survey is different. Its purpose is to gather local, place‑based data to help Council determine what type of glass recycling service may be reasonably practicable for Alpine Shire, and to support any future discussions with the State Government.

Important: This survey is not seeking feedback on whether the State Government should reverse its decision to mandate a glass‑only service. If you would still like to add your voice to that advocacy effort, you can access the Glass Bin Advocacy Group survey here: Tell the government what you think.


At its 24 June 2025 Ordinary Council Meeting, Council adopted an official advocacy position to the Victorian Government, both directly and as part of a coalition of 34 Victorian councils with shared concerns (the Glass Advocacy Group).

Council has been advocating for:

  • a delay to the required implementation of a glass‑only recycling service
  • clearer evidence that the benefits of a new glass‑only service (the ‘purple bin’) outweigh the increased costs to ratepayers
  • expansion of the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) as an alternative to separate council‑run glass collection
  • finalisation of the Draft Household Waste and Recycling Service Standards

To date, Council has not received a formal response to this advocacy.


Under the Draft Household Waste and Recycling Service Standards, from 1 July 2027:

  • glass will no longer be permitted in household recycling (yellow‑lid) bins; and
  • councils must provide a separate glass‑only collection service.

The Victorian Government’s preferred option is a kerbside glass bin service, unless Council can demonstrate that this is not reasonably practicable.

This may include circumstances where:

  • households do not have adequate space for additional bins
  • collection vehicles cannot safely access properties
  • the population is geographically dispersed

In those cases, a glass drop‑off service may be permitted, provided it is accessible to people of all abilities and transport options.

To avoid potential prosecution and meet the mandated deadline, Council must begin planning for a compliant glass‑only service. A key part of this planning is understanding, through community consultation, which service model is most suitable for Alpine Shire.


This survey will help Council:

  • understand how residents and businesses currently manage glass waste
  • assess whether a kerbside or drop‑off model is more practical locally
  • gather evidence to support any alternative service model discussions with the Victorian Government
  • plan responsibly for a compliant service by 1 July 2027

Your feedback is essential to ensure future decisions reflect the needs, geography and realities of Alpine Shire’s community.

Container Deposit Scheme

What is a Container Deposit Scheme?

A Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is a recycling program that provides a refund when eligible drink containers are returned to a collection point.

The scheme aims to reduce litter and improve recycling by encouraging people to return bottles and cans, which can then be recycled, reused, or donated to community groups and charities for fundraising.

You can find CDS in the Alpine Shire at the following locations:

Reverse Vending Machines

What is a Reverse Vending Machine?

A Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) is a machine that accepts empty drink containers, checks that they are eligible for a Container Deposit Scheme, and then provides a refund or voucher in return.

The machine scans and crushes or sorts the containers so they can be recycled, making it easy for people to return bottles and cans and claim their deposit.

Find RVM locations here open in new window