NE Waste and its seven Northern Rivers member councils have been awarded $254,550 in funding from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for an innovative project to shift local businesses away from reliance on single-use items. 

Member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin, says the project, ‘Transitioning regional NSW to reusables one plate at a time’, has been awarded the funding under the EPA’s Local Government Waste Solutions Fund, which is about delivering local waste and recycling solutions to support the state’s transition to a circular economy.  

“We are on the cusp of a waste crisis and need to be looking for new ways to minimise waste and keep valuable resources out of landfill. 

“NE Waste does great work in education, research and program delivery around the way we manage waste in our region. Their research shows that consumers and businesses are confused about recycling when it comes to things like certified ‘compostable’ items,” Ms Saffin said. 

Linda Tohver, the Education coordinator at NE Waste, says certified ‘compostable’ single-use containers including burger boxes, bamboo plates and coffee cups aren’t accepted at our commercial compost facilities due to chemical coatings. And once they’ve had food in them, they also can’t be recycled. 

"The good news is that more than 50% of event waste can be diverted from landfill with the introduction of reusable plates, bowls and drink containers. The CO2 savings from reusables far outweigh the convenience of single-use as well. No, that 'compostable' coffee cup can't compost in landfill.

"Through this funding, we will have the opportunity to collaborate with business, community and schools, trial and showcase successful reusable systems, improve infrastructure, share learnings across regional NSW and build on work currently being done in Byron Shire Council," Ms Tohver said. 

Round four of the LGWS fund is planned to open in September 2025.  

Individual councils, a group of councils, or regional waste groups in the waste levy paying area are eligible to apply. Individual councils can apply for up to $200,000 in funding, and groups of two or more councils can apply for up to $400,000 in funding.   

For more information on Round 3 grantees and to learn how to apply for Round 4 visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/councils/local-government-waste-solutions-fund .