What is the food and garden (green) bin?
The food and garden (green) bin is used to recycle food scraps and garden clippings. This includes things like fruit and vegetable peelings, cooked leftovers, eggshells, meat and bones, grass clippings, flowers, leaves and garden cuttings. Find out what else can and can’t go in your green bin.
Why is every household getting a food and garden bin?
Under the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria policy, all councils must provide a food and garden service to households by 2030. This is to help reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfill.
Why do we need to reduce organic material in landfill?
When organic material like food scraps and garden clippings is sent to landfill, it breaks down and creates methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
What happens to our food and garden waste?
After your green bin is collected each fortnight, the contents are taken to a local commercial composting facility. The material is composted and recycled into a valuable resource that can be used as a soil conditioner to feed plants and improve soil health in gardens and on farms around Victoria.
Is there anything I need to do to make sure I get my new green bin?
No. We will automatically deliver a green bin to properties that don’t currently have one, based on our records.
When will my green bin arrive?
We will deliver green bins between April and June. You’ll also receive a kitchen caddy to help you collect and carry food scraps from your kitchen to your green bin.
When can we start using our new green bins?
You can start using your new green bin from July.
Why can’t we use our green bin before July?
We want to make sure everyone has their new green bin before collections start, so we can provide a consistent service to everyone. We know that means you might have your bin for a while before you can start using it. Thank you for your patience!
How often will green bins be collected?
Food and garden bins will be collected fortnightly, on the alternate week to recycling bins. Check the know my bin day tool to find your next collection day.
Is there a cost for the green bin?
From July, food and garden bins will be included in Council’s standard waste service, along with garbage and recycling bins. This service is covered by the kerbside waste charge, which is listed on your rates notice. There is no cost for delivery, and charges will not apply until 1 July 2024. Check your rates notice for 2024/25 later this year. Extra costs still apply for additional or larger bins.
What if I don’t want a green bin?
From July, all households in Hume will have a green bin. This is required under the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria policy. We encourage you to give your new green bin a go – you may be surprised how easy it is to put food into your green bin and help care for our environment.
I don’t have space for another bin.
Food and garden bins will be available in two sizes: 140L and 240L. Smaller sized properties will receive a 140L bin as their standard service, and larger properties will receive a 240L bin. If you find the size of your bin doesn’t suit your needs once you start using it from July, you may be able to request a different size.
I live in an apartment/unit block. Will we get our own bin?
Yes. Every residential property will be provided with their own separate bin.
Is my bin day changing?
No. Your bin day and collection schedule are not changing. Check the know my bin day tool to find out when your bins are collected.
Will my garbage still be collected weekly?
Yes. Your garbage bin will still be collected weekly, and your recycling bin every two weeks. Your green bin will also be collected every two weeks, on the alternate week to recycling.
I’m a renter. Will my home receive a green bin?
Yes. All residential properties in Hume will have a green bin from July. If your home does not currently have a green bin, one will be delivered between April and June. As with your garbage and recycling bins, the property owner is responsible for the cost of the service through their rates.
I own rental property. Will it also receive a green bin?
Yes. All residential properties in Hume will have a green bin from July. If your rental property does not currently have a green bin, one will be delivered between April and June.
My green bin hasn’t arrived. What do I do?
Green bins will be delivered between April and June.
Why are my neighbours putting out their green bins?
Food and garden bins have been available as an optional service for a number of years. Households that already have a green bin can still put theirs out during this transition. New green bins will not be collected until July.
I already have a compost bin. Why do I need a green bin?
You can still compost your food scraps at home – we encourage it! The green bin can still be useful for recycling food that isn’t suitable for home composting, such as meat, bones and citrus.