Popular item to be banned from bins in one state in major shake-up

A popular item could be banned from bins in one state under a proposed shake-up, with feedback of the changes open to the community.

Compostable plastic bags could be banned from food waste bins in a major shake-up.

Victorians may need to trade in compostable plastic bags and plastic liners for paper bags in food disposal bins to reduce contamination.

It’s understood there are concerns over unacceptable contamination levels in the food organics and garden organics stream as a result of the bin liners, which can reduce the quality of compost.

The Household Waste and Recycling Draft Service Standard 2024 has indicated that the bags could be banned from FOGO bins despite the AS 4736 and AS 5810 bags being permitted for use in Victoria.

Compostable plastic bags could be banned from food waste bins in a major shake-up. Picture: City of Melbourne

There are concerns over unacceptable contamination levels in the bin liners. Picture: City of Melbourne.

A Victoria government spokesperson said a draft standard was being consulted on.

“We’re currently consulting on a draft service standard that sets out which items can be sorted into each of the four bins to reduce contamination and maximise the quantity of recycled materials that can be reused and turned into new products,” the spokesperson said.

It’s understood paper bin liners, newspaper sheets and paper towels could be offered as alternatives.

Other changes include the introduction of a purple glass recycling bin by July 2027, while items like cordial bottles, plastic plates, meat trays and reusable plastic containers – including coffee cups and reusable water bottles – could be banned from mixed recycling services.

Victorians are able to provide feedback on the proposed changes up until 11.59pm on August 14 through a survey on the Engage Victoria website.

Originally published as Popular item to be banned from bins in one state in major shake-up