Recycling Innovation

This program targets innovative solutions for priority problem wastes.

This program is currently closed.

Recycling Innovation combines 2 previous programs:

  • Innovation in Priority Problem Waste Management
  • Innovation in Shredder Floc Management.

Purpose

This $16.5 million program was aimed at innovative projects that would:

  • provide new recycling infrastructure solutions
  • establish (or expand) recycled material markets through research and development
  • improve and introduce new approaches and technologies to increase the efficiency of recycling facilities for the wastes listed in the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) priority problem wastes list.

The program focused on the following priority problem wastes:

  • plastic film and other plastics
  • copper chrome arsenic (CCA) timber and other treated timbers
  • tyres and rubber
  • nappies and incontinence pads
  • electronic waste (e-waste)
  • shredder floc.

However, strong and compelling proposals for other wastes were considered, such as:

  • materials that lack established recycled material markets in NSW
  • residue wastes generated from recycling processes
  • contaminants that if removed could increase the recovery of a waste stream
  • streams of low volume but highly toxic waste that pose significant risk of harm to the environment and human health.

Projects that incorporated research, development and investment in technology or infrastructure with demonstrated commercial application were preferred.

This program was delivered in partnership with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) under the EPA's Waste Less, Recycle More program.

Streams

The program had 2 streams.

Stream 1 supported innovative infrastructure projects that demonstrated new and emerging technologies. Projects that had reached at least the early stage of commercialisation were preferred.

Stream 2 supported research and development that could help establish markets for recycled materials from priority problem wastes. Projects could include:

  • design and development of new commercial products that use recycled materials
  • development of new markets for existing products (e.g. through field trials and product testing).

Funding available

Grants were offered to cover up to 50% of project costs to the following amounts:

  • Stream 1 – from $100,000 to $1 million
  • Stream 2 – from $20,000 to $200,000.

Who can apply?

It was preferred that projects:

  • involved partnerships between industry and tertiary/research organisations
  • incorporated research, development and investment in technology or infrastructure with demonstrated commercial application.

When can applications be made?

This program is currently closed.

If you are successful in obtaining funding for your project, you will need to provide regular reports on your progress.

Project measures table

A project measures table will be provided to you with your grant agreement. The project measures table will assist with setting the project baseline, creating targets, recording progress and project achievements.

An updated project measures table will need to be submitted with each progress report.

Progress reports and final report

You are required to submit milestone (progress) reports at agreed intervals to outline what your project has achieved and next steps.

Milestone reports are submitted to the Environmental Trust, who will check to ensure that expenditure is as per the agreed budget. The reports will also be reviewed by technical experts who may provide feedback or advice. Once reviewed and accepted the associated payment will be processed.

A final report will be required upon completion of the project, and once checked and approved the final payment will be made.

Please use milestone report form (DOCX 75KB) and final reporting form (DOCX 75KB) for these reports.

Financial reports

You must submit a statement of expenditure with each milestone report. A certified financial report will be required as part of the final report.

Other documents

You may be required to submit other documents or evidence as listed in your grant agreement.

Where to send reports

Please email reports and other documents to waste.recycling@environmentaltrust.nsw.gov.au (50MB limit).

Acknowledgement requirement

You are required to acknowledge the funding you have received from the Trust in all publications and materials related to your project. Use the wording below:

This project is supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the NSW Environment Protection Authority's Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded from the waste levy.

You also need to use the NSW Government logo. See Funding acknowledgement and logos for details.

In 2016 (round 2)
  • Stream 1 allocated $1,503,969 to 3 projects
  • Stream 2 allocated $457,700 to 3 projects
In 2015 (round 1)
  • Stream 1 allocated $6,404,468 to 13 projects
  • Stream 2 allocated $488,560 to 7 projects

Project summaries