Bins at businesses

4-bin service for businesses

Businesses that pay the waste charge must have a general rubbish, recycling and glass bin. This is the standard commercial waste service for businesses.

The charges for the waste service are itemised on the owner's annual rates notice. In many commercial and industrial zoned properties the rates passed onto the business. If this is the case, and can be demonstrated, businesses can make changes to the bins at the property. 

Businesses can opt in to the food and garden organics service. Annual waste charges can be viewed on our understanding your rates page. 

Why did our bins change?

The Victorian Government is standardising household waste and recycling services across the state. All Victorian council kerbside services will move to a 4-bin system. The new system will improve recycling and reduce waste going to landfill.

Mixed recycling at businesses

Business should have the standard  240 litre mixed recycling bin. Businesses can apply online for additional recycling bin if needed. A charge for the bin and the additional recycling capacity is outlined in the application. 

This bin is collected every 2 weeks.

Glass recycling at businesses

Your 120 litre glass recycling bin is for glass bottles and jars. This bin is collected every 4 weeks (monthly).

If your business does not generate any glass recycling, please call our Customer Service team on  9240 1111 or email waste@merri-bek.vic.gov.au. 

Food and garden organics at businesses

Businesses can opt in to the food and garden organics service. This bin is collected every week.

If your business generates food or garden waste, you can choose to get a food and garden organics bin. You can order a bin by going to our bins and collections page.

General rubbish at businesses

The general rubbish service is currently weekly. Businesses can apply to change the size of their garbage capacity if required. 

There are some a number of businesses at sites in the fortnightly rubbish trial in Hadfield, Brunswick and Brunswick West. To understand more if you are affected by the changes visit the project - transform the norm website. 

  • Fortnightly General rubbish (trial participants only)

    During 2025-2026 council is conducting a fortnightly general rubbish trial in parts of  Hadfield, Brunswick and Brunswick West. Trial properties have a fortnightly general rubbish charge, instead of the weekly rubbish charge.  For more information about the trial visit the project website, transform the norm. 

    • 80 litre fortnightly $101.73 (small)
    • 120 litre fortnightly $135.64 (standard)
    • 240 litre fortnightly $305.18 (large)
    • 360 litre fortnightly $474.13 (maximum)
    • Shared $88.16

    Concessions for fortnightly general rubbish trial participants only

    The 3,000 properties that are participating in the fortnightly rubbish trial have access to expanded concessions.  For more information visit the project website, transform the norm. Applications can also be made by the tenant at the property. They are valid for up to 2 years and we will let you know what you need to do to renew your concession. 

    The concession charges for fortnightly rubbish bins in the trial area only are:

    • 240 litres - $135.64 (1 x 240 litre fortnightly)
    • 360 litres - $305.18 (1 x 240 litre and 1 x 120 litre fortnightly)

    Changing your bin size if you are in the fortnightly rubbish trial area

    Fortnightly trial participants had an opportunity to select their bin size up to 21st Feb 2025. If no selection was made you received a new standard sized bin (120 litres).

    Participants can change the general rubbish bin during the trial once, at no cost. You can also apply for a concession to the 240 litre and 360 litre size bins if you are eligible at the time of changing the size of your bin. To find out more visit the project - transform the norm website.  

Hard waste at businesses

Businesses that pay a waste charge are eligible for our booked hard waste service if there is a safe place for collection.  This also includes bundled cardboard and bundled branches. 

There also fee for service options available that don't pay a waste charge. 

Can I get bigger bins for my business?

You can get an additional 120 litre mixed recycling bin to help with extra cardboard recycling (if you need an additional 240 litres mixed recycling contact waste@merri-bek.vic.gov.au. You can also increase the size of your general rubbish bin to 240 litres if your business needs it. 

If you request an additional 120 litre mixed recycling bin or a bigger rubbish bin, your waste charge will increase.

What if Council's waste service doesn't meet my needs?

If our standard service can't meet the demand of your business, you can use councils commercial plus fee-for-service and pay for more bins. Otherwise, you will need to use a private waste contractor.

More information on our 4-bin service

For more information on how the new 4-bin service affects your business or household, please visit our 4-bin service page on Conversations Merri-bek.

Update your knowledge today. Learn how you can reduce your waste and check that you are sorting your waste correctly.