WA schools can apply for grants to get their waste sorted

• Up to $5,500 per school available under WasteSorted Schools grants program
• Schools can apply for funding towards projects that divert waste from landfill
• Program has awarded more than $2.6 million to 542 schools in its 20-year history
  

Western Australian schools can now apply for up to $5,500 for projects to tackle waste under a new round of funding through the WasteSorted Schools grants program.

The funding is available to accredited schools to implement projects such as recycling hubs, composting, worm farming and green canteens. The program aims to educate students as well as the wider school community on how to avoid waste and become more sustainable.

A total of 48 schools from Port Hedland to Mount Barker shared in $164,500 in the last grant round. The WasteSorted Schools grants program has awarded more than $2.6 million to 542 schools in its 20-year history.

Kalbarri District High School received $4,850 last year for its 'Think Outside the Trash!' project, allowing the school to purchase a commercial dishwasher, reusable bowls, plates, crockery and cutlery to avoid single-use plastics.

The school's Green Team is collecting Containers for Change as well as food scraps after lunch each day. They have also set up a sustainability team consisting of teachers and support staff with plans to set up waste stations around the school by the end of this term.

For more information or to apply, visit wasteauthority.wa.gov.au/programs/view/wastesorted-schools-grants

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"I encourage schools to apply for this funding to inspire and educate the next generation about the importance of taking responsibility for their waste.

"This program has a long tradition of supporting Western Australian schools and teaches a valuable lesson in helping to make landfill the last resort.

"Congratulations to Kalbarri District High School for thinking outside the box to avoid single-use plastics and helping make a real difference."

Minister's office - 6552 6300