Bin lock solutions

[This page was updated in March 2026]

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

Our 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 is expected to cost around $40 (exact pricing to be confirmed).

Residents will be required to fit the devices themselves, although council can install the Litter Locks for a small fee (value TBC), 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.

We will update this page as more information becomes available. If you have any immediate questions or want to be added to our waiting list for a Litter Lock, please contact us on (03) 5358 8700 or via 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.