Free household green waste disposal before expected early fire season
Published on 02 October 2025
Emergency Management Victoria has predicted an early start to the fire season this spring, possibly as soon as October in some parts of the state.
Despite the Bureau of Meteorology predicting higher-than-average rainfall between now and the end of the year, much of the Shire still has a heightened fire risk following two years of drought.
Corangamite Shire Council is encouraging residents to reduce potential fire fuel around their homes ahead of fire season.
Householders can drop off their domestic green waste from 4 October to 26 October inclusive. This excludes commercial customers.
In addition, kerbside collection customers can jump-start their fire safety clean-ups thanks to extra FOGO bin pick-ups.
The green-lidded Food Organics and Garden Organics bins will be collected weekly, instead of fortnightly, from Monday 5 October until the end of the year.
Manager Environment and Emergency Belinda Bennett said non-commercial customers could drop off green waste at the Naroghid Landfill and all Shire transfer stations.
“The free green waste drop off is to encourage residents to clean up their properties in preparation for the fire season,” Ms Bennett said.
“Recent rain has greened things up on the surface, but a lack of deep soil moisture means it won’t take much hot, dry weather for new growth to dry off and become a serious hazard.
“Preparation is the key. Now is the time to reduce fuel loads by managing grass growth and cleaning up bark, twigs, leaves and other organic matter around your property.
“Clear out your guttering and get rid of dry grass, leaves and twigs and bark that can build up in corners or under steps and decks.
“Prune any branches hanging over your buildings or ground vegetation.
“Normally a heaped trailer or ute load of green waste would cost $38.80 to dispose of, so this is a great chance for people to clean-up around their properties for free.”
Ms Bennett encouraged residents to have a fire plan and know what to do if there is a fire. “Now is the best time to understand your fire risk and get prepared, not when a fire starts,” he said. “You can download a helpful guide from cfa.vic.gov.au/firereadykit
“We are looking to commence fire inspections in early October.”
For more information about fire prevention, visit corangamite.vic.gov.au/Fire-ready or call 5593 7100.
Australian and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services ‘Spring Bushfire Outlook Spring 2025’: afac.com.au/seasonal-outlook