Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) Waste Minimisation Community Fund applications have opened for 2022, with $120,000 funding available 

The fund, established in 2018, supports initiatives to reduce the generation of waste in the Queenstown Lakes District and to divert waste from landfill.

“We want to hear your great ideas for reducing, reusing or recycling waste,” QLDC waste minimisation project officer Kath Buttar said.

This year, QLDC is looking for projects with clear and measurable outcomes of tangible benefit to the community. 

It is particularly interested in initiatives that address gaps in existing programmes, create new opportunities to minimise waste, and encourage community participation.

There is up to $100,000 for community projects and up to $20,000 for commercial waste minimisation or resource recovery projects.

Last year QLDC supported a range of local initiatives, from helping Wanakup expand its reusable cup system and promote reuse at events, to tools needed for Wānaka Community Workshop reuse and repair projects.

In Queenstown, it helped fund a worm farm and composting workshop at a nursery; helped expand a food rescue service; and helped a hotel reduce its carbon footprint.

“The diversity of the projects we were able to support is exciting and will help us realise our ambition to become a sustainable, zero-waste community,” Kath said.

Applications must be made online.

Potential applicants are encouraged to email [email protected] with any questions or to check if their idea meets the fund’s goals and criteria.

Applications will close on April 29.

PHOTO: Supplied