Waste Management Strategy 2020-30 | Mid-implementation Update

This Waste Management Strategy sets out how Northern Grampians Shire Council will manage waste and recycling services across the shire through to 2030.

This document is a revision of the 2020-2030 strategy which was originally published in 2020. The January 2026 revision comes after a mid-implementation review of our progress to date, what we have delivered so far, where there have been shifts in external drivers, adjusts our actions where required and confirms what remains to be achieved. It explains what is changing, why change is required, and how council will introduce new recycling services in a way that is practical, affordable and aligned with local conditions.

The strategy has been updated following the conclusion of the Waste and Recycling Service Review conducted in October last year. You can read more about the review and the community survey that was available on our website, here. You can also download a copy of the survey findings report which summarises the insights obtained, here.

Why is it important?

Waste management is an essential council service. Every household and business relies on it, and the way waste is managed affects our environment, public spaces, community health and household costs. Northern Grampians Shire has significant natural landscapes, strong agricultural activity and dispersed rural communities, therefore getting waste services right matters.

Waste and recycling services are changing across Victoria. New state laws and reforms require councils to reduce waste sent to landfill and improve the recovery of valuable materials. Under the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021, councils must provide access to Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling and glass recycling by 2027.

These changes will affect how waste and recycling services are delivered across Northern Grampians Shire in the future.

What's being proposed?

Over the next four years, council will:

  • Introduce new kerbside and drop-off recycling services in a staged and supported way;
  • Align collection and processing arrangements with the new waste management contractor; and
  • Provide clear information and education to households on better recycling techniques.

With regards to the introduction of new kerbside recycling services and in practical terms, council is proposing the following services from July 2027 onwards. 

Urban areas (compulsory collection zones)

  • Kerbside 240L general rubbish collected fortnightly (red lid)
  • Kerbside 240L mixed recycling collected fortnightly (yellow lid)
  • Kerbside 240L FOGO recycling collected fortnightly (lime green lid)
  • Kerbside 120L glass recycling collected bi-monthly (8-weekly) (purple lid)
  • Drop-off for glass recycling (public places) 

Rural areas (non-compulsory collection zones)

  • Kerbside 240L general rubbish collected fortnightly (red lid)
  • Kerbside 240L mixed recycling collected fortnightly (yellow lid)
  • Drop-off for FOGO recycling (at approved transfer station facility)
  • Drop-off for glass recycling (public places) 

This approach allows council to commit to state requirements while responding to local conditions, managing costs and providing fair access to these services across the shire.

How can I have my say?

The below strategy and proposed priorities and outcomes outlined within it are open for community review and feedback until 11.59pm on Sunday, March 1, 2026. You can submit your feedback via an online form linked below or via direct post addressed to the details provided. 

Online: complete the form here. 

Direct mail: please address to c/- Brent McAlister, Northern Grampians Shire Council, PO Box 580, Stawell VIC 3380

Please view the strategy via the flipbook below. Alternatively, you can also download a PDF copy here - Northern-Grampians-Shire-Council-Waste-Management-Strategy-2020-30.pdf(PDF, 1MB).

Have a question?

If you have further questions or would like to speak with someone about the strategy or review process, please call Customer Service on (03) 5358 8700 and ask to speak with council's Waste Management team. Alternatively, you can also email waste@ngshire.vic.gov.au.

Back to top