NSW EPA allocates $1.9M for innovative recycling projects

The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority has unveiled the recipients of the second round of grants from the Local Government Waste Solutions Funds.

The recent allocation, totalling nearly $1.9 million, will support 10 projects spanning 25 local government areas across New South Wales.

Alexandra Geddes, executive director of Programs & Innovation at NSW EPA, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming projects.

“This round of grants will fund a diverse range of projects that will help councils and communities divert waste from landfill and keep materials in use for longer,” Geddes remarked.

The newly funded projects showcase a diverse array of initiatives designed to tackle waste management challenges and promote sustainability.

These include efforts to eliminate waste in construction and council operations, advanced research into technology for material recovery and reprocessing, and community workshops focused on repairing items such as small appliances and clothing.

Highlighted projects from the initial grant round have already made a notable impact.

South Sydney’s bicycle repair and reuse program is giving old bicycles a new lease on life, while Georges River Council’s initiative is successfully diverting hard-to-recycle items like child car seats and hard plastics from landfills.

Geddes anticipates further innovative contributions from the latest grant recipients saying, “We look forward to seeing more great ideas put into practice with this latest round of funding as we continue to work towards a circular economy.”

Looking ahead, the third round of the LGWS fund is set to open in September 2024.

Eligible applicants include individual councils, council groups, and regional waste groups within the waste levy-paying area. Councils can apply for up to $200,000 individually or up to $400,000 as a collaborative group.