Victoria Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith

Government Injects $3 Million Into New Recycling Initiatives

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith has announced grants worth $3 Million to boost recycling and waste recovery initiatives across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

Mr. Smith said the funding would assist industry to implement new forms of recycling that would reduce the amount of waste headed to landfill.

“New recycling methods are good for the environment and for business, and we want to enable industry to adopt smarter recycling methods that benefit the environment.” Mr. Smith said.

A total of 16 individual projects across Victoria will receive funding from the Driving Investment for New Recycling Fund, including projects to recycle expanded polystyrene packaging and plastic film, light globes containing mercury, and timber.

Expanded Polystyrene Australia (EPSA) industry body Executive Director Brendan Blomeley today welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement of grant support to fund the recycling of polystyrene.

“Expanded polystyrene is 100 % recyclable and the industry has long been calling for support from government to ensure it is recycled and does not end up in landfill.” Mr. Blomeley said.

“This is an excellent outcome for our community, our industry and, importantly, the environment, and the government deserves to be duly congratulated.”

Roy Woodhouse of Transfield said it was refreshing to have a Minister for the Environment who was supportive of establishing a recycling industry in Victoria which would lead to the creation of both investment and jobs in the sector, as part of a worldwide trend towards minimising waste going to landfills.

Moonee Valley Metropolitan Waste Management Group is receiving $333,000 for a project that will reduce the amount of expanded polystyrene going into landfill, and instead see it recycled into items such as park benches, decking and retaining walls.

“This project will divert around 39,000 cubic metres from landfill each year, which is equivalent to over 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” Mr. Smith said.

The 16 projects under the Driving Investment for New Recycling Fund will attract a total investment of $9 Million and result in more than 50 full time jobs.