Grants available to improve organic waste processing capacity

  • New grants for infrastructure to recycle organic waste
  • State funding matched by Commonwealth under Food Waste for Healthy Soils Fund
  • Organic waste recovery a high priority in Western Australian waste avoidance strategy
  • Grants are now available to help Western Australian organisations develop infrastructure to process organic waste.

    Funding will be provided by the State Government and will be matched by the Commonwealth Government from the $57 million Food Waste for Healthy Soils Fund.

    The Food Waste for Healthy Soils Fund aims to increase Australia’s organic waste recycling from 49 per cent to 80 per cent by 2030. 

    The grant funding program aims to:

    • support suitably located infrastructure to increase the diversion of organic waste from landfill;
    • Improve the quality, safety and consistency of recycled organic waste, especially for use in the agricultural industry; and
    • develop sustainable markets for high-value nutrient-rich compost and soil conditioners. 

    The recovery of organic waste is identified as a high priority in the WA Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.  

    Successful projects will be economically viable, will utilise best-practice methodology, know-how and technology, and will achieve value for money and maximise industry financial contributions.

    Expressions of interest are open from December 9, and close at 9am on Wednesday, 19 January, 2022. Late applications cannot be accepted.

    Information on how to apply can be found at:

    https://www.wa.gov.au/service/environment/environment-information-services/food-waste-healthy-soils-fund

    As stated by Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

    “Returning today’s food and garden organic waste back to the soil helps us grow tomorrow’s food. 

    “Organics comprise more than two-thirds of the content of red lid general waste bins.

    “Recovering organics not only makes a significant contribution to achieving the State’s recycling targets but recycling also supports approximately three times more jobs compared to sending a similar amount of waste to landfill.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.