MERRI-BEK: Fortnightly bins on the way
Merri-bek Council has resolved to transition to a fortnightly rubbish service from July 2027.
The Council will implement several changes to the fortnightly rubbish transition to what it says will make it easier for residents.
“These changes are a direct result of community feedback,” said a Council representative.
Standard rubbish bins will be increased to 140 litres, up from 120 litres.
The maximum volume for rubbish will be increased to 480 litres per fortnight, up from 360 litres.
Ad hoc rubbish collections will be available for a fee on an as-needed basis.
A Pensioner Concession will be introduced, applicable to rubbish and FOGO bins, to replace and expand the former hardship concession.
The large family concession will be expanded to be a “larger household” concession, with any households with six or more residents eligible for a free rubbish upsize.
A concession will be introduced for households that foster multiple animals on an ongoing basis (three or more animals).
Weekly rubbish collection service, will be provided, with adjusted charge, for large apartment buildings (for example, 20+ households) where the Council deems that fortnightly rubbish is not viable.
Further measures will be explored that could make fortnightly waste collection easier for households, including paper bags for FOGO caddies, and potential nappy recycling and reuseable nappy options.
Waste education and outreach programs will be promoted to support community awareness and behaviour change.
“It is costing more to send waste to landfill every year. The transition to fortnightly rubbish collection will avoid food waste going to landfill and save ratepayers at least $16 million over the next decade when compared to a weekly rubbish service,” said a Council representative.
“This decision follows several stages of community consultation, including an engagement period conducted earlier this year, and a trial held in parts of Hadfield and Brunswick West.
“It is the last of three significant steps Council committed to in 2021 – including bookable hard waste, a four-bin service, and a fortnightly rubbish service (subject to the outcome of a Trial and engagement – and this final Council decision).”
Merri-bek City Council Mayor Cr Nat Abboud (pictured) said Council would support residents throughout the implementation of fortnightly waste across the municipality in July 2027.
“From increasing the standard rubbish bin to 140 litres and options for ad hoc collections on a weekly basis, we have heard feedback from residents and are taking action to support our community through this transition,” she said.
“Together, we can keep costs down for ratepayers and reduce the environmental impacts of landfill.”