$30M boost for WA's waste and recycling infrastructure

In a collaborative effort, the Australian and Western Australian Labor Governments have unveiled a substantial investment exceeding $30 million to bolster recycling and waste infrastructure in Western Australia.

This commitment is part of the second round of the Western Australian Recycling Modernisation Fund, which will provide selected projects with a portion of up to $30.75 million. Additionally, industrial zoned land valued at up to $5 million is being offered as part of this initiative.

The primary objective of this funding is to support the transition away from exporting specific types of waste, including plastics, tires, mixed paper, and cardboard. By allocating resources to projects aimed at enhancing material recovery, sorting, processing, and manufacturing capabilities in response to waste export bans, the initiative aims to promote a more sustainable approach to waste management.

Under this funding program, the Western Australian Government and the Commonwealth Government will jointly contribute a maximum of two-thirds of the project costs, while applicants are required to fund a minimum of one-third of the total expenses.

The Western Australian Recycling Modernisation Fund, with a total grant funding pool of $70 million, is dedicated to addressing critical infrastructure gaps in the state's waste management systems.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, said: Boosting recycling isn't just good for the environment, it's good for jobs – for every one job in landfill there are three jobs in recycling. We know people want to do the right thing and recycle their waste, but the reality is there aren't the facilities to do it. This funding will support new recycling infrastructure and help WA communities recycle more.

Western Australian Minister for the Environment, Reece Whitby, said: Western Australian businesses are embracing waste as a valuable resource that can create jobs, spark innovation and deliver strong environmental outcomes. This is a significant investment to transform WA's waste and recycling industry, helping address critical infrastructure gaps while supporting the waste export bans. I encourage businesses to apply for this funding to improve Western Australia's ability to process and recycle waste, and help create a low-waste, sustainable State.

Interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline, which is set for 4 pm on Friday, October 13, 2023.