Funding for projects to reduce waste in Waipa

Funding is available for projects that attempt to reduce waste in the region.

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," she said.

"We have set ourselves an ambitious goal and we welcome everyone's contributions to achieve this."

Ms 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."

"They include worm farm workshops which make better use of our food waste, local cafés 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 on Friday, November 24.

A drop-in session is at the Te Awamutu Library on Monday, November 13 from 10am-midday.

For more information and to apply, visit waipadc.govt.nz/wastefund or Council offices.