Funding open for Hamilton waste reduction projects
Hamilton City Council is calling all waste reduction groups! It’s time to get your application into the council’s Waste Minimisation Fund.
Applications are being accepted between now and Monday, April 14.
The fund distributes a total of $50,000 each year across successful applicants and can include iwi, business and education/community groups based in Hamilton.
Groups need to be involved in local waste reduction projects and initiatives with outcomes that benefit the Hamilton community. They can apply for one of two options: standard funding (to receive $1000 to $5000); or special projects (to receive $5000 to $15,000).
The fund encourages projects championing long-term waste minimisation and behaviour change, says sustainable resource recovery unit director Tania Hermann.
“It’s all about helping enthusiastic, effective and innovative groups who are trying to keep waste out of our landfills,” says Hermann.
“That could be through projects, feasibility studies, trials and pilot programmes, education programmes or neighbourhood activities. The funds can also help with materials and equipment, skills development and costs related to research, monitoring and surveys that directly assist a waste-reduction initiative.”
Hamilton City Council’s waste minimisation education adviser, Belinda Goodwin, says groups need to be able to demonstrate measurable outcomes for the work they’re doing. She is excited to see last year’s successful applicants doing great work with their funds.
“Last year’s successful applicants included Hillcrest Community Childcare, which has cut back on its food waste significantly through a garden and compost system and is reducing waste to landfill through reuse and education around wastefree lunchboxes,” she said.
To find out more about the fund and how to apply, please contact the team at wasteminimisation@hcc.govt. nz or call 07 838 6718 and ask to speak to education adviser Belinda Goodwin. More information can be found online at fightthelandfill.co. nz/wastefund.