Victoria’s 4-bin recycling system
We’re improving how we recycle so that more materials can be reused, less goes to landfill, and we help build a thriving circular economy where nothing goes to waste.
The 4-bin system will make sorting waste and recycling easier – you'll know what goes in each bin no matter where you are in Victoria (at home, on holiday, or visiting friends).
What’s changing?
Soon, all Victorian households with council waste and recycling services will separate their waste into 4 bins.
🟩 Lime green bin – food and garden organics (FOGO)
🟪 Purple bin – glass bottles and jars
🟨 Yellow bin – mixed recycling
🟥 Red bin – general rubbish
How will this benefit the community?
Having a consistent recycling system with separate glass recycling bins and food and garden organics bins will lead to:
- cleaner recycling – less contamination means more materials can be reused
- local jobs – supporting Victoria’s recycling industry
- lower emissions – less landfill, more compost and recycled materials
- cost savings – less being sent to landfill means lower costs for councils (and ratepayers).
It's part of the transition to a circular economy, which will potentially boost Victoria's economy by up to $6.7 billion.
Why do we need a separate bin for glass?
When glass breaks in the mixed recycling bin, the shards can contaminate and spoil paper, cardboard and plastic – making them harder to recycle.
If the contents of the mixed recycling bin are too contaminated, valuable materials may go to landfill, which costs councils more than sending to a recycling processor.
Glass bottles and jars can be recycled endlessly – and it’s happening right here in Victoria. Three quarters of our packaging glass was recovered and processed locally in 2022-23. That's over 220,000 tonnes of glass saved from landfill.
Why do we need a food and garden organics (FOGO) bin?
Food scraps and garden clippings don’t belong in landfill. When organic material breaks down in landfill, it releases harmful greenhouse gases.
But when it is separated into a food and garden organics bin, it can be turned into compost instead, which helps grow the food we eat.
When will I get my new bins?
The transition to a consistent 4-bin system is happening gradually across Victoria. Your council will let you know when your new bins are coming. Some areas already have them; the rest will roll them out in the coming years. Check your council’s website to see what’s happening in your area.
What about CDS Vic?
Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) gives you 10 cents back for every eligible drink container returned at hundreds of refund points across the state. It’s a simple way to reduce litter, recycle more, and get rewarded for doing the right thing.
CDS Vic accepts eligible small beverage containers (from products often consumed outside the home), while your household recycling bins collect a wider range of packaging items. The systems work together to make sure as many recyclable materials as possible are collected and turned into new products – not sent to landfill.
The 4-bin recycling system and CDS Vic are part of the Victorian Government’s $538 million investment in transforming our waste and recycling system. Together, we’re building a circular economy – where resources are reused, not wasted.
