By Jessica Micallef
The first glass-only recycling bins have been installed in the Macedon Ranges.
The 240-litre bins were installed earlier this month in Gisborne, Lancefield, Malmsbury and Tylden.
More will be installed in Macedon, Riddells Creek and Darraweit Guim in the coming weeks.
Macedon Ranges council said it looked at public safety, distance to nearest transfer station, ease of access for the community and access for collection trucks when deciding where the glass bins would be installed.
Residents can also drop off glass, free of charge, to transfer stations in Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey. As a last resort, glass can be placed in general rubbish bins.
Following the collapse of recycling group SKM on July 25, the council’s kerbside recycling was stored at Four Season’s Waste facility in Kyneton. However the facility only had the capacity to store about 14 days of material and as of August 10 all recycling has been directed to landfill.
The council identified a recycling company to process the area’s recycling, but it will not accept glass.
About 650 Lancefield residents are currently taking part in a glass recycling trial. Those residents can continue to use their glass-only bins provided as part of the trials. The bins are collected monthly.
The council will consider introducing a glass-only bin service for the entire Macedon Ranges at its October meeting.
For locations of glass bins, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/glass
