Byron Shire wins funding for waste solutions

BYRON Shire Council and North East Waste have been awarded grants under the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s Local Government Waste Solutions Fund (LGWS).

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin, said both projects could see more waste recycled and less going to landfill.

“I look forward to seeing how these projects can help us build a stronger circular economy for our community,” she said.

“This was for new projects aimed at improving the way we reuse and recycle products to minimise waste and I congratulate both organisations for their innovative projects.”

North East Waste was awarded $110,000 for Finding Pathways to Better Practice for Hard to Recover Resources.

Coordinator Jeanie McKillop said it was working with councils to improve the diversion of hard-to-recycle materials from landfills.

“Some construction and demolition materials, such as concrete, are reasonably easy to reuse, but products such as timber, gyprock and hard plastics are more difficult to place in the reuse or reprocessing market in regional areas,” she said.

Byron Shire Council was granted $198,500 for Building Byron’s Reuse Economy.

Manager of Resource Recovery Danielle Hanigan said the council was committed to a long-term, sustainable solution to takeaway packaging and the throw-away culture.

“As waste managers, we are taking on the challenge of being leaders in this space,” she said.

“This grant will help us build local processes and work with businesses that provide reuse systems such as washing stations for coffee cups, plates and cutlery.

“Our aim is not only to support event managers in running sustainable activities but also to show the community and visitors that reuse is possible if there is will.”

The NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy allocates $10 million over five years from 2023 to 2027 and is managed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

The fund encourages the transition to a circular economy by supporting innovative waste and recycling solutions to achieve impact with long-term outcomes, defined as the practical application of ideas that result in something new, unique, or add value to a scalable existing solution.

For more information, visit epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/councils/local-government-waste-solutions-fund