Funding applications for the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) 2021 Waste Minimisation Community Fund opened yesterday (Monday March 1).

The fund, which is in its third year, offers up to $60,000 to support waste minimisation initiatives throughout the Queenstown Lakes District. 

Up to $50,000 is available for community action and behaviour change projects, and up to $10,000 towards commercial waste minimisation.

“Last year’s funding recipients have led the charge and shown what can be achieved at a community level,” QLDC property and infrastructure general manager Peter Hansby said.

He cited initiatives like the Hāwea Grove Project, Wastebusters & One New Zealand Better Building Resource Circulation, Sustainable Queenstown’s RefillNZ, Chunky Limited’s Chunky Loan Cup, and Queenstown Golf Club’s innovative composting system, which have already made a contribution to the council’s vision of becoming a zero waste district.

“The goal of the 2021 fund is to support initiatives that complement and enhance existing programmes, address gaps, create new opportunities, and encourage community participation in waste minimisation,” Peter said.

SUC Free Wanaka implemented a cup-lending scheme to reduce waste. Do you have the district’s next big idea?

“Inspire us with your great idea to rethink, reduce or reuse. Tell us about the waste challenge you want to address and your proposed solution. No matter how big or small your idea is, we’d love to hear from you.” 

The fund is open to individuals, community groups, businesses, Iwi/Māori organisations and education providers within the Queenstown Lakes District.

Interested applicants can email [email protected] with any questions or to check if their idea meets the criteria.

Additionally, the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce is kicking off a waste audit process for Queenstown Lakes businesses to help a representative selection of businesses within the district improve their waste and recycling practises.

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