Bundle Waste
Separate the decision about glass recycling from container-deposit eligibility. A glass bottle can be suitable for a recycling service without qualifying for a refund.
Ask what the glass service accepts
Describe bottles, jars and any other glass your venue generates. Ask specifically about broken material, lids, ceramics, drinking glasses and other exclusions. Cleanaway lists glass separately from commingled services, illustrating why you should request the specification for the service actually proposed.
Check CDS eligibility separately
The Recycling Victoria eligibility guide excludes glass wine and pure-spirit bottles. Do not count all bar glass as refundable containers. Identify eligible products before comparing return or collection arrangements.
Size around weight and handling
Ask the collector for the exact container, load limit and presentation requirements. Assess the movement route and collection frequency with the site safety lead. Do not use an assumed bottle weight or an unsupported bin-weight rule to decide whether a container is safe to move.
Compare separate and mixed collection
Request prices for the configurations that accept your materials. Include rental, collection, weight allowances, contamination charges and any CDS handling fees. Do not assume the levy avoided by a receiver becomes an equal reduction in your invoice.
Make staff instructions match the contract
Label the actual glass container with the accepted items and preparation instructions. Do not give a universal green-lid instruction: the Victorian household scheme uses purple for glass, while your commercial service needs its own confirmed labels.
Track the outcome
Match collections and any refund statements to invoices. Ask how recovery is reported and distinguish measured glass quantities from estimates. Review overflow or rejected material with the provider before changing the schedule.
Related guides
Sources
Checked 18 September 2026. Operator sources describe their own services; these are not rankings, endorsements or universal acceptance rules.
- Cleanaway — Recycling services. Commingled; cardboard and paper; glass.
- Recycling Victoria — CDS Vic Eligible Container Guide. May 2026 guide, pages 1–2; glass wine/spirit exclusions.
- Victorian Government — Standardising household recycling across Victoria. Scope; Transition to the new system.