Fund aims to reduce waste in Waipa
02 November 2017
Funding is now available for projects that reduce the amount of waste going to landfill in the Waipa district.
Waipa District Council has $50,000 available to support community-led projects that help minimise waste. The funds are distributed by council through the Ministry for the Environment's Waste Levy.
Waste minimisation officer Sally Fraser said Council is looking for projects that will contribute to its goal of a 90 per cent reduction in waste by 2035, as set out in its waste strategy.
The fund aims to help people create and deliver projects for their own community. We have set ourselves an ambitious goal and we welcome everyone's contributions to achieve this, she said.
Fraser is keen to see some fresh new ideas in the applications and is offering two drop-in sessions to anyone who wants to brainstorm something that might fit.
In the past year we have supported some great initiatives that have the potential to make a real difference in our community, Fraser said.
They include worm farm workshops which make better use of our food waste, local cafs promoting reusable coffee cups and community groups that have provided recycling stations.
All these projects help reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill, but we need more like them to continue the momentum.
Funding may be available to individuals, community groups, educators and local iwi. Grants go up to $10,000 with some discretion to consider larger projects.
Projects should focus on priority areas including organic, rural and commercial waste, resource recovery initiatives and product stewardship. Council will not fund waste disposal or clean-ups.
Applications for funding must be received by 5pm, Friday 24 November 2017.
For more information and to apply, visit waipadc.govt.nz/wastefund or pop into Council offices.
Drop in sessions:
10am-12pm, Monday 13 November, Community Space, Te Awamutu Library, Selwyn Lane
10am-12pm, Tuesday 14 November, Council meeting room, 23 Wilson Street, Cambridge