Do you have a great idea that could help the community reduce or divert waste from landfill?

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) Waste Minimisation Community Fund is now open and the council is looking for creative waste reduction projects to support.

“Every year we are inspired by the creative projects put forward to the Waste Minimisation Community Fund, which are all underpinned by a passion to help our district become a sustainable, zero-waste community,” QLDC waste minimisation project officer Kath Buttar said.

The fund was launched in 2018 and it has supported many initiatives in the years since. 

“Last year we supported 13 projects right across the district, including a reusable nappy bank in Glenorchy, an initiative to help teach people to repair, remake and create clothing and soft furnishings from textiles that would otherwise be wasted and a number of composting initiatives to help divert food waste from landfill,” Kath said.

“Over time these will start to make a real difference as more people get involved.”

Funding in the Upper Clutha has supported Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College with infrastructure for onsite composting; Pinnacles Early Learning Centre to implement the ‘Garbage Guardians’ sustainability; and Wānaka Community Workshop with tools needed for build and repair projects using timber that would otherwise go to landfill, among other projects.

This year a funding pool of $50,000 is available for community projects that encourage enduring behaviour change as well as up to $10,000 for commercial waste minimisation or resource recovery projects.

Kath said this year the council is particularly interested in initiatives that address gaps in existing programmes, create new opportunities to minimise waste, and encourage community participation.

“If your idea supports reducing waste at the source and or diverts material from landfill, we want to hear from you,” she said.

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

Application criteria, profiles of past recipients and other information can be found here.

Applications must be made online and close on May 19.

PHOTO: Supplied