Sustainability Program
The main initiative of the Sustainability Program is coordinating Circular North, which provides advice, funding, and education to better manage waste and recycling within northern Tasmanian communities, businesses, and local governments.
Circular North
Circular North
Circular North is one of three Regional Waste Management Groups in Tasmania. Formed in 2007, it is hosted by NRM North in partnership with eight local councils: Break O’Day, Dorset, Flinders Island, George Town, Launceston, Meander Valley, Northern Midlands, and West Tamar.
Guided by the waste hierarchy, an internationally accepted guide for prioritizing waste management practices, Circular North applies principles of ecologically sustainable development to inform strategy and achieve significant improvements in resource recovery.
Circular North was formerly known as the Northern Tasmanian Waste Management Group (NTWMG).
Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Grants
Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Grants
These grants were part of Circular North, aimed to support successful applicants in northern Tasmania to decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills through innovative activities, increase the recovery of resources from waste that would otherwise be lost to landfills, or strengthen northern Tasmania’s circular economy. The applications are now closed.
Current Activities
Current Activities
Explore the latest initiatives and opportunities in the sustainability program across Northern Tasmania.
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Campaign
Household Hazardous Waste Collection Campaign
Household hazardous waste refers to flammable, toxic, explosive, or corrosive chemicals used in and around the home. The average Australian home stores many hazardous substances, including everyday household items such as bleach or other cleaning solvents, as well as garden and pool chemicals.
It is dangerous to dispose household hazardous waste in your general rubbish or recycling bin. These chemicals can cause fires in bins and garbage trucks, creating a safety hazard for truck drivers, the general community, and the environment. Correct disposal of these chemicals through household hazardous waste collections reduces waste that ends up in landfill or disposed of in ways that can impact the health of our waterways.
On specific days, residents can dispose of items for free during collection times with the support of a qualified chemist, storage, and transport provider.
Quick Q&A
Quick Q&A
Currently, there is no funding available. The last round closed on 4 August 2023.
A total of $145,000 was available under the 2023-2024 Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Grants, which supported successful applicants for eligible project costs associated with:
- circular economy initiatives,
- projects that reduce waste going to landfill;
- procuring innovative recycling infrastructure; or
- educational materials necessary to improve waste management practices in the Northern Tasmanian area.
Eligible organisations could apply for a grant of up to $50,000 (ex-GST) (the maximum grant amount) for eligible project costs.