General News
11 May, 2026
Another cost in tough times, says Ray
BRIDGEWATER resident Ray Simons says the introduction of a dedicated glass bin, often referred to as the “purple bin,” raises more questions than answers.
BRIDGEWATER resident Ray Simons says the introduction of a dedicated glass bin, often referred to as the “purple bin,” raises more questions than answers.
“They’re going to need extra trucks because it can’t go in with general rubbish or recycling,” Mr Simons said. “That means more fuel, more drivers and more cost. So where does the shire come up with that money?”
Mr Simons said the timing of the State Government rollout was also a concern.
“It feels like it’s just being handed down with no real say from the people who have to pay for it,” he said. “Country communities are already doing it tough, and now we’re being asked to fork out more again.”
For many rural households, the issue is not just cost but necessity. Mr Simons said his household already struggled to fill existing bins.
“We don’t even fill the bins we’ve got now,” he said. “But we’ll still be paying for two extra bins whether we use them or not.”
He also pointed to the extra effort required under the new system, including cleaning and sorting waste.
“You’ve got to wash everything out, take the lids off and sort it all properly,” Mr Simons said. “It feels like we’re doing more of the work ourselves.”
For Mr Simons, the issue highlighted a broader concern about the lack of rural input into decision-making. “It’s not that people don’t want to do the right thing but it needs to be practical and fair for country communities too.”
- ANDREW PERRYMAN
Read More: Loddon Shire, Bridgewater