$2 million for councils to increase reuse and recycling

Sustainability Victoria has announced $2 million in funding is available through the Circular Economy Councils Fund to support councils transition to a circular economy.

Delivered on behalf of the Victorian Government, this third round of funding is earmarked for local projects that will increase recycling and the reuse of materials diverting tonnes of waste from landfill.

Through funding delivered in previous rounds, more than 50 projects across the state have received almost $3.8 million, including a mattress recycling program in Swan Hill, roving repair events, a ‘library’ in Wyndham where residents can borrow tools, gardening, sporting and camping equipment, a composting facility in Bairnsdale and a food organics collection service in multi-unit storey buildings in Melbourne.

These projects are estimated to have prevented more than 55,000 tonnes of waste going to landfill and created 60 jobs.

All Victorian Councils and Alpine Resorts can apply for grants to develop projects that seek to increase the reuse, repurposing and recycling of materials at local or regional scale, helping to meet the Victorian Government’s target to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill sites by 2030.

Sustainability Victoria is supporting the Victorian Government to deliver the circular economy plan, Recycling Victoria: a new economy and realise a once-in-a-generation systemic change to the state’s waste and recycling system.

For more information visit CE Councils Fund Round 3.

Quotes attributable to Matt Genever, Interim CEO, Sustainability Victoria

“By providing funding to councils we can achieve local solutions to waste that not only deliver community benefits but have a positive impact right across the state.”

“Our vision for Victoria is a circular economy where products are made to last and waste is avoided. A circular economy fosters innovation and invigorates existing businesses and creates new ones, delivering more jobs and growth for local economies.”