12/12/00
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the Department of Environmental Protection has received a grant of $80,000 in the latest round of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund.
This grant, to run over a two-year period, is to improve waste management and recycling in the public sector, to demonstrate leadership by example in implementing recycling in the workplace and promote the State Government’s waste paper recycling program.
It is estimated that Government agencies consume about 5,000 tonnes of paper each year. Most eventually ends up as waste paper. A mandatory paper recycling contract was established in 1997, but there is a need to promote the program and educate employees to improve the public sector’s recycling performance.
Mrs Edwardes said the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was one of 41 recipients of grants from the Waste Management and Recycling Fund totalling $1.02 million that were announced today.
Western Australia’s Waste Management and Recycling Fund is raised from a levy on waste disposed to landfill. It is used to sponsor innovative waste reduction and recycling activities throughout the State.
“Each year almost $5 million is raised from the levy,” the Minister said.
“Under the grants program, financial assistance is given to local communities, industry and local government organisations who have projects which will contribute towards the achievement of the State’s waste reduction targets.
“The grant is generally on a dollar-for-dollar basis and the preparedness of applicants to be equal partners in the projects demonstrates their commitment.”
DEP believes State Government agencies can contribute more to waste reduction and recycling and should lead by example in the workplace.
Mrs Edwardes congratulated all successful recipients of grants in this funding round.
The total amount of grant funding under the program now totals over $6 million. An additional $2.2 million has also been allocated from the fund under the Municipal Recycling Services rebate scheme, which is a performance based incentive to local councils to reward them for their kerbside recycling collection efforts.
Mrs Edwardes reminded potential applicants that these grants would be advertised more frequently in future.
“The number of funding rounds has now increased from twice yearly to six times each year,” she said.
The round that has recently been advertised will close on Friday, December 29.
Inquiries for grants should be directed to the Funded Programs Section of the Department of Environmental Protection on 9222 8608.
Media contact: Steve Manchee on 9421 7777
