Fruit net swap and surrender campaign

Published on 23 September 2026

Lorikeet perched on the top of a tree covered with legal netting

Some types of fruit tree netting can seriously injure or kill native wildlife, including birds, bats and possums.

In Victoria, household fruit tree netting must have a mesh size of 5mm x 5mm or smaller when fully stretched.

Not sure if your netting is wildlife-safe? Try pushing your finger through the mesh. If your finger can pass through, the holes are likely too large and the netting is illegal to use.

How to protect your fruit safely

When using fruit netting:

  • Use white cross-weave netting
  • Secure netting tightly so animals cannot become trapped
  • Consider using fruit bags or sleeves to protect individual branches

How to help wildlfe

  • Check you nets daily
  • Remove netting from trees when they are not fruiting
  • Report any entangled or injured wildlife to Wildlife Victoria on (03) 8400 7300 or online at wildlifevictoria.org.au

Do not try to rescue entangled fruit bats yourself, as only vaccinated and experienced wildlife rescuers should do this.

Swap or surrender your netting

The Fruit Net Swap and Surrender campaign makes it easy to do the right thing. Protect fruit trees without putting local wildlife at risk.

Residents can surrender all of their old or illegal fruit tree netting. They can swap illegal netting for a wildlife-safe alternative.

Available swap items include:

  • Large fruit net (2.8m cube)
  • Fruit sleeve (30cm x 90cm)
  • Pack of 10 fruit bags (30cm x 30cm)

Only one item can be swapped per household in Hume City, while limited stock lasts. Residents can surrender as many illegal fruit nets as they have.

All surrendered fruit nets will be recycled into new plastic products and diverted from landfill.

Illegal-household-fruit-tree-netting.jpgLegal-household-fruit-tree-netting.jpg

Surrender locations

From November 2026 to March 2027, look for the branded Surrender Your Net recycling bins at:

Upcoming events

Residents can swap or surrender fruit netting at selected events across Hume.

The campaign will run until March 2027. Check this page regularly for updated event information and additional swap opportunities.

Working together to protect wildlife

We are participating with over 20 local governments and in partnership with The Conservation Regulator, Zoos Victoria, RSPCA Victoria, Wildlife Victoria, and Animal Welfare Victoria.

For more information, check the RSPCA website-Grey-headed flying fox netting.

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