Bin lock solutions

[This page was last updated in April 2026]

Council has received an increase in community complaints about wildlife and wind causing littering challenges in townships over the past 12-months (especially in Halls Gap).

Council's Waste Management team has researched possible solutions and believes Litter Lock to be an effective and reliable option that comes endorsed by other councils who have run comparative performance studies.

Litter Lock can only be purchased wholesale, therefore council is in the process of procuring a batch of these units and make them available for purchase by residents at cost. Each unit will cost $32.80.

Residents will be required to fit the devices themselves, although council can install the Litter Locks for a small fee of $15 per unit subject to staff availability.

“The devices are not compulsory, and the community is welcome to find their own solution to the problem. However, if their solution fails, they will need to find another one to avoid being fined.” Cr Hide said.

Residents across the shire can now request and pay for Litter Locks using the following form. Paper versions are also available from Customer Service at town hall's in both Stawell and St Arnaud. 

If you any questions about Litter Locks, please contact us on (03) 5358 8700 or email ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au.

Please note, council previously provided complimentary rubber bin straps. This design proved ineffective against our smarter wildlife (cockatoos), but may still help with wind, crows and kangaroos. They remain available free of charge at our Customer Service offices in both Stawell and St Arnaud. For more information, please have a look at this rubber bin strap information sheet.