Waste Minimisation Grants allocated
23/05/2023 8:50am
A new round of community-led projects have received just over $40,000 in funding from this year’s first round of
Rethink Waste Whakaarohia Waste Minimisation Grants.
Thirteen applications for the $40,000 grant round were received, with requests totaling $94,425. The applications have now been assessed, and the grants awarded to six projects.
The biggest single grant of $10,000 was given to Victory Community Centre to allow them to establish a comprehensive composting system and education around it to help both Victory Primary School and the wider community divert waste from landfill.
Victory Community Centre Kai Coordinator Nadia Dysart says the school set a goal of zero food waste, and the community gardens needed replenishment, so it seemed like the perfect solution to create a robust composting system onsite.
“This grant will allow us to set up a pest-proof system that will produce large amounts of compost to nourish the gardens, while providing learning opportunities, reducing waste and supporting sustainable food production for our community at the same time.”
In addition, the following grants have been awarded:- $5,000 to the Nelson Construction & Sustainability Alliance for an industry-led campaign to reduce construction and demolition waste
- $7500 to further extend the Recycle a Device programme in local schools and groups
- $7500 to Nelson Environment Centre for a cardboard perforator trial – this will enable diversion of used cardboard from landfill to provide packaging material which can be used instead of plastic bubble wrap and test whether this is a product which can be sold
- $4825 to Small Time Developments to set up two biogas systems powered by food waste at the Nelson Christian Academy and the Nelson Baptist Church
- $2000 to Yum Inc Ltd to extend their network supporting refillable containers.
- One further grant remains to be confirmed in partnership with Tasman District Council for a deconstruction advisory service.
Nelson City Council Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis says the grants are a way to support our community to lead the charge in reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Waste minimisation requires action from all of us. Community-led projects, using local knowledge, are invaluable in developing effective waste minimisation outcomes.”
The next round of grants (repair activities) will be opening in October 2023.
