Wellington Shire Council today announced that it has resolved to maintain its current three-bin kerbside waste service, with early results showing the new service is significantly reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Compared with the same period in 2025, waste sent to landfill from the kerbside bin service decreased by more than 30 per cent in July 2026 and more than 40 per cent in August and September 2026. This has reduced landfill disposal costs and Victorian Government landfill levy charges, delivering savings that flow directly to households with a kerbside waste service through lower waste charges.
The decision follows council’s consideration of a petition presented in September requesting the immediate reinstatement of weekly red-lidded bin collections alongside the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) service at no additional cost to residents.
After considering the petition, community feedback and the early results of the service, council determined to continue the current three-bin model, with weekly FOGO collections and fortnightly rubbish and recycling collections. The decision reflects the data that the current model is working, while also balancing community needs, landfill reduction and long-term affordability.
Wellington Shire mayor, councillor Cindy Madeley, said the early results demonstrated the positive impact residents were already having through their participation in the FOGO service.
“We appreciate everyone who shared their feedback and acknowledge the concerns raised by the community. While this has been a significant change for many households, early results show residents are already diverting more waste from landfill. Council remains committed to supporting residents, monitoring the service and completing the 12-month review.”
Council noted that reintroducing weekly general rubbish collections while maintaining weekly FOGO collections would add approximately $2.5 million per year to the cost of the kerbside waste service, equivalent to about $125 per household annually.
Council also acknowledged that different households have different waste needs. Households that meet the eligibility criteria can continue to access support measures, including the Additional General Rubbish Subsidy Program, which provides an additional general rubbish bin at no cost to eligible residents.
As part of its resolution, council committed to continuing education and communication activities to help residents use the three-bin system correctly and access available support where required.
For more information about the three-bin waste service and available support programs, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/waste
