Round 4 of the Local Government Organics Collection Systems grants are now open for councils to apply for funding to reduce and recycle food waste in NSW.
The program is being delivered in partnership with the Environmental Trust, as part of the $465.7 million Waste Less Recycle More program.
EPA Chair and CEO, Barry Buffier said up to $1.3 million is available for local councils to introduce new or enhanced collection services for food and organic waste.
“Each year in NSW, 800,000 tonnes of food waste ends up in landfill from households while businesses contribute 170,000 tonnes. This is why these grants that support collection services are so important.
“Already in the first three rounds we have awarded $15.8 million to 38 councils to collect an estimated 144,000 tonnes more food and garden waste a year. We have also provided 552,669 new green lid bins and kitchen caddies to more than 230,000 homes.
“Now in this fourth and final round, I encourage councils with projects that can be completed by June next year to put in an application, if they have not done so already.
The Local Government Organics Collections Systems grants program is part of a comprehensive strategy to transform organics waste collections across NSW.
“The Government has been working steadily towards its target of providing 70 per cent of NSW homes with kerbside organics collections services by 2017,” Mr Buffier said.
The funding provides a unique opportunity for councils to improve services that will assist residents preserve their local environment.
“Currently approximately 45 per cent of a red lid bin is made up of organics waste, so these new collection services will make a big difference in the amount of household waste being recovered and recycled in NSW.
“In landfill, organics waste breaks down to generate greenhouse gas emissions and leachate. By recycling this waste into compost, then soil quality, water retention and crop yields benefit.
The Local Government Organics Collections Systems grants will transform waste management and recycling in NSW.
Applications close on Thursday 19 May 2016.