Australia’s largest waste and recycling program is improving the environment, according to its latest report card.
The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority Waste Less Recycle More program provides grants and funding for waste and recycling projects across the state with more than $802 million invested since 2012.
The latest report shows the program has delivered almost 3000 projects that reduce waste going to landfill, help stop illegal dumping and litter, increase recycling and help establish a circular economy.
The report highlights 60 new or improved organics collection services are recycling 181,266 tonnes per year.
Almost 400,000 NSW residents have taken close to 30,000 tonnes of unwanted chemicals and household problem waste to the EPA’s free Household Chemical Cleanouts and Community Recycling Centres, ensuring it can be recycled and disposed of properly.
TheWaste Less Recycle More program has also delivered $109 million in direct funding to councils, supporting more than 2000 local projects across 61 council areas in eight regions.
Other outcomes from the latest report card include $11.4 million awarded to 271 local community and council litter projects, 11,600 tonnes of recycled glass used to build roads and footpaths, $211 million in industry investment stimulated by the program and $86 million in NSW Government funding for waste and recycling infrastructure projects.
There was a 55 per cent reduction in illegal dumping in target areas and 89 landfills improved in partnership with councils to improve fencing, signage, security and education.
For more information, visit: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/news