How this page works
Follow these steps to choose the size of your rubbish bin:
- Read the information below
- Take the short survey
- Order your rubbish bin using the online form
Step 1. Information about rubbish bin sizes
Most households currently use the standard 80-litre rubbish bin. For the trial, we’ll upsize your bin to a 120-litre rubbish bin, the new standard size, unless you tell us you want a different one.
Now is the time to choose a smaller or larger rubbish bin if you need to.
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 choose, you will have a lower general rubbish waste charge than households that are not in the trial with the same bin size and a weekly collection.
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:
Most households have an 80-litre rubbish bin.
If your bin is already full most weeks, then you might need a larger bin. Or you could try to reduce your household waste.
Not sure what size bin you have? Read below or watch this video to help find out:
You can use your glass recycling bin to compare the size. If your rubbish bin is 120 litres, it will be the same size as your purple glass recycling bin. If it’s bigger than your purple glass bin, it is a 240-litre rubbish bin. And if it’s smaller than your purple glass bin, it’s likely an 80-litre rubbish bin.
You might have an 80-litre bin that looks like a 120-litre bin. These bins have what we call a ‘false bottom’ or ‘raised floor’. To tell if you have a bin like this, look inside your bin when it’s empty. If the bottom of your bin looks like it’s sitting higher off the ground, your bin is 80 litres. Some of these also have an indentation on the bottom section of the bin which indicates that it has a false floor.
You can put your food scraps, recyclables and glass bottles and jars in the right bins to make space in your rubbish bin.
This means you might not need a larger bin.
Almost half of what’s in the average Merri-bek rubbish bin belongs in a different bin.
Think about what's in your rubbish bin.
By putting the right thing in the right bin, you can make more space in your rubbish bin for general household rubbish.
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.
Think about what's in your rubbish bin.
Reducing your waste could include composting at home, avoiding excess packaging and single-use items, or using cloth nappies instead of disposables.
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. For the trial, the standard charge will apply to the 120-litre rubbish bin (our new standard size).
Smaller bins have a lower waste charge than larger bins:
- For a smaller 80-litre rubbish bin, you get a 25% discount on the standard charge.
- For a larger 240-litre rubbish bin, you pay more than double the standard charge.
- For the maximum 360-litre capacity, you pay 3 times the standard charge.
Waste charges for the 2025/26 financial year will be calculated as part of the annual budget cycle. Draft charges will be published as part of the draft budget in April 2025.
It costs less to collect your bins every 2 weeks. So depending on the size of your rubbish bin, you will save between at least $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.
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. Choose your bin size
Complete the online form to order the size of your rubbish bin