$24 Million to get organics out of landfill
The NSW Government will provide $24 million funding to support local councils and the alternative waste industry improve kerbside separation of food and garden waste and encourage other better uses of waste.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the funding will help local councils and industry to adopt and improve sustainable management of organic waste while the government undertakes consultation.
“We know from the $105 million investment currently provided under the Waste Less Recycle More initiative that recycling food and garden waste through a dedicated kerbside bin works,” Mr Kean said.
“Already more than 40 councils across NSW have food and garden kerbside collections with good results.
“To help make this change, we’re investing $24 million to support local councils and industry operators that were putting organic waste in red bins to produce mixed waste organic outputs.
“This initiative will help reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions from landfills, it is financially viable and it will create a beneficial product that helps improve soil health.
“Organic waste can be a valuable resource and we want to make the best use of it. We also want to encourage innovative solutions to waste management. That’s why we are providing this type of support for the alternative waste industry and councils,” Mr Kean said.
The $24 million will help councils implement or improve kerbside organic waste collections, purchase new equipment and upgrade facilities.
The EPA with Department of Planning, Industry and Environment will also undertake research into organics to improve investor confidence in collection and processing.
“This funding boost will support local government and industry while we develop the best long-term solutions for waste management and resource recovery through the NSW 20 Year Waste Strategy,” Mr Kean said.