5/1/01
Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said Southern Metropolitan Regional Council would receive a $170,000 grant for three projects under the Waste Management and Recycling Fund.
The three projects included implementation of a Household Hazardous Waste Education and Management System, implementation of a Regional Waste Management Education Strategy and the development of an Australian Standard Quality System for compost made from municipal solid waste to be used in horticulture.
The grants are part of 56 approved projects worth over $1.4 million announced by Mrs Edwardes.
The Minister said the recycling fund was making a significant contribution to reducing the State’s waste, with the latest round of funding bringing the total of grants approved under the fund to nearly $5.9 million.
“The fund was introduced in July 1998 and has since proved to be an invaluable incentive to local government, industry and community groups dedicated to recycling and waste reduction,” she said.
“By sponsoring innovative recycling and waste reduction projects, the fund will help to significantly reduce waste and minimise environmental impact.
“Southern Metropolitan Regional Council will implement an education and promotional campaign for household hazardous waste management and disposal options within the community.
“The campaign is designed to increase community participation in maximising the recovery of recyclables from the waste stream.
“The successful recovery of household hazardous wastes from domestic waste is part of a comprehensive waste management system which will contribute to diverting up to 85 per cent of waste from landfill.
“Developing an Australian Standard Quality System for compost made from municipal solid waste to be used in horticulture will give customers assurance that compost products will be of consistently high quality.
“The successful production and marketing of recycled organic materials from municipal solid waste and other waste streams will potentially divert an additional 50 per cent of waste from landfill.”
Mrs Edwardes said the Waste Management and Recycling Fund was raised through a landfill levy introduced on July 1, 1998. The levy applied to all landfill sites in the Perth metropolitan area.
Each year, about $4.5 million is raised from the levy and paid into the fund. The fund supports direct grants to the community, local government kerbside recycling schemes, public education programs, regional waste recycling, cleaner production, recycling industry development, and recycling and waste auditing programs.
Applications are invited every two months for funding under seven program categories. Applications are assessed by the Advisory Council on Waste Management, with grants generally being made on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
“The fund is providing a great opportunity for many applicants to get their recycling or waste management ideas up and running,” Mrs Edwardes said.
The number of funding rounds has now increased from twice yearly to six times each year. The next round will close on February 23. Inquiries for grants should be directed to the Funded Programs Section of the Department of Environmental Protection on 9222 8608.
Media contact:
Steve Manchee 9421 7777
