Public recycling basket trial starting in Murrindindi

Published on 03 June 2026

Murrindindi Shire Council is trialling new recycling baskets on public bins across the Shire, making it easier for people to participate in Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme while supporting local fundraising and recycling efforts.

A total of 100 purpose-built recycling baskets will be installed in high-use public locations, including near food outlets, parks and activity centres.

These baskets provide a simple way for people to leave eligible drink containers for others to collect and claim the 10-cent refund through the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS).

Since the CDS launched in November 2023, community groups across Murrindindi have already generated around $90,000 through container refunds, highlighting its value as a practical fundraising and income opportunity.

Based on the container volumes collected through public spaces, the trial could generate an additional $17,000 and $25,000 each year for community members, groups and organisations participating in the scheme.

The basket system has been designed to be simple and inclusive, enabling anyone to participate, from children collecting containers for pocket money to community groups raising funds and residents contributing to local recycling efforts.

Early observations from locations where baskets have been installed indicate that significantly fewer eligible containers are being placed in public garbage and recycling bins. This aligns with results from similar programs interstate and in Victoria, where public place basket trials have helped reduce container litter and improve recovery of eligible drink containers. Council has also observed reduced roadside litter across the Shire since the introduction of the CDS.

By capturing containers before they enter the refuse stream, the baskets help reduce contamination in public bins and divert valuable materials away from landfill. Clear signage on each basket encourages simple action: leave or collect 10c containers.

Murrindindi Shire Council Sustainability and Assets portfolio Councillor Paul Hildebrand said the trial demonstrates how small, practical changes can deliver meaningful community and environmental benefits.

“This initiative makes recycling easier, supports participation in the Container Deposit Scheme and creates more opportunities for community fundraising,” Cr Hildebrand said.

“Every eligible container collected is one less item going to landfill and another 10 cents returned to the community.”

Council will continue to monitor the trial to assess community uptake and performance, and to identify opportunities to expand the program to additional locations.

Residents are encouraged to look out for the recycling baskets when out and about and support the initiative by leaving eligible containers for others to collect.

Container Deposit Scheme refund points in Murrindindi Shire are located at:

• Bourke's Ice Works, 17 Binns McCraes Road, Alexandra
• Pheasant Creek General Store & Hot Food, 884 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Pheasant Creek
• Kinglake Pub and Pantry, 28 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake.