Step 1. Information about rubbish bin size
If you did not choose the size of your rubbish bin in February, we delivered the new standard size 120-litre rubbish bin to your property in June. Small and large rubbish bins are available for properties who need them.
The rubbish bin sizes you can choose from are:
- 80 litres (small)
- 120 litres (standard)
- 240 litres (large)
There is also an option for 360 litres. This option includes 2 rubbish bins: a 240-litre and 120-litre bin.
Smaller bins have a lower waste charge than larger bins.
No matter what bin size you have, you will have a lower general rubbish waste charge than households that are not in the trial.
Think about the following before choosing your rubbish bin:
What size bin do I need?
It's important you have the right bin size for your household to prevent overflowing bins, litter and contamination in other bins.
To choose the rubbish bin size that best suits your household, think about:
Food waste (including meat and bones) belongs in your food and garden organics bin – that’s FOGO for short.
More people in Merri-bek are using their FOGO bins for food waste than ever before, but food waste still makes up over one third of the average rubbish bin. By using your FOGO bin for food waste instead of your rubbish bin, it can make a big impact.
Learn how to make FOGO work for your household.
By putting the right thing in the right bin, you can make more space in your rubbish bin for general household rubbish.
Almost half of what's in an average rubbish bin in Merri-bek could be composted or recycled simply by putting it in the right bin.
This means you might not need a larger bin.
Update your recycling knowledge - click here to learn how to recycle right
If you can reduce your household waste, you might not need a larger rubbish bin.
Download our Reduce your household waste guide for more tips.
Or go to our webpage for more information on how to reduce waste at home.
How much do different bin sizes cost?
The waste charge is paid by the ratepayer and is determined by the size of your bin. Smaller bins have a lower waste charge than larger bins.
| Rubbish bin size | 2025/26 fortnightly service (trial area) |
| 80 litre | $102 |
| 120 litre (standard size) | $136 |
| 240 litre | $305 |
| 360 Litre | $474 |
It costs less to collect your bins every 2 weeks. So depending on the size of your rubbish bin, you will save between $30 and $70 on your general rubbish waste charge compared to households not in the trial that have a weekly collection.
Am I eligible for a concession?
Eligible households can get a large rubbish bin (above the standard 120-litre bin) at no extra cost. This is called a concession.
Your household may be eligible for a concession if:
This is a new concession for the fortnightly rubbish trial.
Are you eligible?
Households with 2 or more children under the age of 4 years in daytime nappies can apply for a large rubbish bin at no extra cost.
Conditions
You may need to provide supporting documentation that shows the children's ages.
The concession will expire after one year unless a subsequent application is approved.
How to apply
Complete the bin size form to apply. Click on the link at the bottom of this page.
This concession has been updated for the fortnightly rubbish trial
Are you eligible?
Households with 4 or more dependents (for example children or elderly relatives) who permanently live at the property can apply for a large rubbish bin at no extra cost.
Conditions
You may need to provide supporting documentation showing the number of people living in your home.
How to apply
Complete the bin size form to apply. Click on the link at the bottom of this page.
Are you eligible?
Households where someone lives with a medical condition or disability that creates lots of extra waste can apply for a large rubbish bin at no extra cost.
Conditions
You may be need to provide a letter from a medical practitioner or hospital stating that the condition creates extra waste.
How to apply
Complete the bin size form to apply. Click on the link at the bottom of this page.
This is a new concession for the fortnightly rubbish trial
Are you eligible?
Households where someone holds a Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card, Veteran's Affairs Gold Card or Low-income Health Care Card can apply for a large rubbish bin at no extra cost.
Conditions
We will let you know if you need to provide any of the supporting documentation listed above.
How to apply
Complete the bin size form to apply. Click on the link at the bottom of this page.
You won't need to provide supporting documents when you apply, but we may ask for them later to confirm your eligibility.
Not eligible for a concession?
If you have special circumstances and are not eligible for a concession, please give us a call to discuss your options on 9240 1111.
Step 2. Need help to choose your bin size?
Step 3. Change your bin size
Complete the online form to change the size of your rubbish bin