What are the proposed changes?

We’re considering updates to our waste services to help reduce landfill and improve recycling.

The proposal includes introducing two new services:

  • A Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) kerbside collection.
  • A separate glass drop-off network located across the shire.

Under the proposed changes:

  • FOGO would be collected weekly from households.
  • General waste collection would move from weekly to fortnightly.
  • Glass would be recycled at ten local drop-off points rather than kerbside collection.
  • Mixed recycling would be collected fortnightly from households.

These changes aim to make it easier for residents to sort waste, recover valuable materials and support a more sustainable waste system for the shire.

Why is Council considering these changes?

These proposed changes are part of a statewide shift to a four-stream waste system. Victorian Government policy requires council to provide four separate waste services to households:

  1. Food organics and garden organics
  2. General waste
  3. Glass recycling
  4. Mixed recycling

Council is considering introducing FOGO and glass services in July 2027.

A combined rollout would:

  • Reduce costs by streamlining planning and delivery
  • Simplify the transition for residents
  • Support lasting behaviour change with one clear system

Some other benefits include:

  • Less waste going to landfill – The proposed FOGO system will divert as much as 900 tonnes of organic waste from landfill annually in Mount Alexander Shire.
  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions – Organic waste in landfill produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. Diverting it will help us reduce emissions by 1,035 tonnes annually.

Costs and value

Waste services are funded through the Waste Service Charge.

Council will:

  • Carefully manage costs
  • Use long-term contracts to improve efficiency
  • Reduce costs over time by lowering landfill disposal

Any changes to charges would be confirmed through the 2027/2028 budget process.

What happens next?

Council has not yet made a final decision. If approved, further planning, community education and service rollout would follow, with a proposed start in July 2027.

Further updates will be provided as Council considers this proposal.

Together, we can reduce waste, recover resources and build a more sustainable Mount Alexander Shire.

 

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