Four bins for a sustainable Melton

four bin system
 

 

We're preparing for Victoria's new standard kerbside recycling system.

Melton City Council is introducing a new four-bin kerbside collection system for households that receive a Council waste collection service. 

The changes are part of the Victorian Government's Recycling Victoria reforms, which require all councils across the state to move to a standard four-bin system by 1 July 2027. 

The new system is designed to improve recycling, reduce waste sent to landfill and support a more sustainable future for Victoria. 

 

What changes are coming? 

The future four-bin system will include: 

  • A General Waste Bin (red lid)
  • A Recycling Bin (yellow lid)
  • A Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) Bin (green lid)
  • A Glass Recycling Bin (purple lid) 

 
Many Melton households already have a green FOGO bin. Since its introduction in 2020, more than 80 per cent of eligible properties have opted into the service. 

To meet the Victorian Government reforms, Council is expanding the service to all households that receive a kerbside collection service. 

 

Rollout timeline 

The transition will occur in stages.

Stage 1: Mid-January 2027 

FOGO bins will be delivered to households that do not currently have one. Once delivered, these bins can be used immediately and will continue to be collected fortnightly. 

Stage 2: February 2027 

Purple glass recycling bins will be delivered to all households that receive a kerbside collection service. 

Stage 3: July 2027 

Glass recycling collections will commence. Glass bottles and jars will then be placed in the purple bin rather than the yellow recycling bin. 

 
There will be no changes to weekly red bin collections or fortnightly yellow recycling collections. 
 

Why are these changes being introduced? 

The Victorian Government's reforms are designed to create a consistent recycling system across the state and improve the quality of materials collected for recycling. 

Separating glass from other recyclables helps reduce contamination and improves the recovery of valuable materials. Expanding FOGO services also helps divert food and garden waste from landfill, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the production of compost and other beneficial products. 

These changes will help Melton continue to improve recycling outcomes while supporting Victoria's transition to a circular economy. 

 

Waste Service Charge 

In Council's 2026/27 Rates, the annual Waste Service Charge will be $380 per property. 

The Waste Service Charge is reviewed each year and funds a range of waste and recycling services provided to the community, including kerbside collections, hard waste services, and operation of the Melton Recycling Facility. 

The 2026/27 charge includes funding required to prepare for the transition to the new four-bin system, including the procurement and delivery of new FOGO and glass recycling bins ahead of the 2027 rollout. 

 

More information 

This page provides an overview of the upcoming changes. As the rollout gets closer, we’ll be updating our community with further information about: 

  • The four-bin system
  • What goes in each bin
  • Collection schedules
  • FOGO and glass recycling
  • Rollout updates and key dates. 

 

Related articles

 

Back to top