Incentives open for waste reduction
Northern Tasmanians can now apply for funding to develop new ways to recycle and repurpose items that would otherwise end up as landfill as part of a state government initiative to reduce waste.
UTAS received grant funding to purchase an in-vessel composting machine in 2021 for their Community Garden at Inveresk, which receives up to 75kg of food, office and garden waste per day.
Hosted by NRM North, the Northern Tasmanian Waste Management Program (NTWMP) is offering financial support through the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Business Grants to schools, organisations, and businesses across eight municipalities.
NRM North Sustainability Program spokesperson Ben Slingsby said it's an excellent opportunity to showcase great ideas to help stop valuable resources going to landfill.
“The program is all about decreasing the amount of waste sent to landfill through innovative activities and increasing the recovery of ‘waste’ … the grants are a great head start in getting ideas off the ground.”
A total of $145,000 is available through individual grants of up to $50,000 to businesses, schools, councils, and other government organisations to help implement initiatives that recover valuable resources. In the past, successful applicants have implemented projects that repurpose biological farm waste through biochar, purchase equipment to allow reuse of glass jars to reduce packaging, and created community recycling hubs at local primary schools.
Mr Slingsby said it’s a chance to rethink how we dispose of things.
“We know there are more great ideas out there, and we'd love to help you get started … The Circular Economy Business Grant Program has already started to support local businesses investing in projects that decrease waste generation and increase the recirculation of resources.”
Eligible businesses, organisations or schools in the Launceston, George Town, Break O'Day, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands, Dorset, West Tamar, or Flinders Island municipalities can apply for funding under The Circular Economy Business Grant Program.
Applications close 4 August 2023.
For more information visit www.nrmnorth.org.au/sustainability or call 03 6333 7777.
The Northern Tasmanian Waste Management Program is supported by the Tasmanian Government.
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