Environment and Climate Change Minister Ryan Smith will visit the city on Saturday to announce $500,000 will be provided by the state government for the new service. 

Residents will receive new bins, with collection expected to be rolled out before the middle of next year.

Mr Smith said the funding would enable local government to set up the service and cover the costs of the bins. 

“The ongoing running of the service is part of an agreement with the council to continue delivering this important community service,” he said. 

“This announcement makes recycling organic waste even easier for Ballarat households. 

“Diverting waste from landfill is great for the environment and is also good for helping grow the local economy =

and creating jobs by supporting businesses that provide these services.” 

There have previously been calls for a green waste collection in Ballarat similar to what other municipalities provide.

Mr Smith said the waste industry was a great contributor to economic growth and creating jobs. 

“This is why the Napthine government is investing $2.5 million in better organic and green waste services and a further $10 million to enable governments to improve organic waste recovery,” he said. 

“By working with businesses, local councils and residents, this government has capitalised on opportunities to recover and reuse food and garden waste, and convert it into valuable compost and mulch products.”

The change is expected to divert more than 8000 tonnes of organic materials from landfill each year. A kerbside green waste collection service is currently only available to residents on a user-pays basis in Ballarat.

matthew.dixon@fairfaxmedia.com.au