Regional Recycling Fund

The overall objectives of the funding program are to deliver increased regional recycling capacity, supporting local circular economies and improving the reliability and stability of the state-wide recycling system.

This includes:

• improving safety and environmental outcomes through improved storage, re-processing and disposal of recycling and residual waste
• maximising diversion of recyclable material from landfill
• improving the resilience of Victoria’s waste and resource recovery system given disruptions to world
• recycling markets.
• supporting new market entrants and diversity of players in the sector that maximises local economic outcomes

The following organisations are eligible for funding:

• regional and rural local government authorities
• private sector businesses and agencies, including not-for-profits and social enterprises

Round 1 applicants were also required to:

• either own or operate transfer station/resource recovery infrastructure that:
  • handles municipal solid waste
  • is of regional significance (i.e., will or could have benefits on a regional scale)
  • is located in regional Victoria
• be an incorporated body, cooperative or association (including business associations)
• be financially solvent

The following were ineligible for funding in Round 1: 

• metropolitan local government authorities
• individuals
• government agencies
• entities that do not own or operate transfer station/resource recovery infrastructure in regional Victoria

Eligible costs in Round 1 included:

• sheds
• skips or bins
• bin lifters
• retaining walls
• weighbridges
• earthworks
• access ramps
• access roads (up to 10% of funded amount)

Ineligible expenditure included:

• new and upgraded processing facilities
• waste to energy
• offices and general amenities
• vehicles
• drainage, waste, resurfacing, roads
• direct provision of waste services to households

See the guidelines for full details of eligible costs in Round 1.

The following expenditure is eligible where critical to the delivery of the project:

• salaries and consumables
• accessing specialist professional services
• access to and acquisition of specialist equipment, hardware, software, and service provider fees
• accessing or protecting IP rights
• prototyping and development of a Minimum Viable Product
• scholarships, study tours, undertaking market research/testing and engaging with major customers and investors
• travel expenses for testing, market development of the product/service, capital raising and other partnership or investment opportunities
• data procurement and efforts to obtain regulatory approval

Ineligible expenditure includes:

• rent or other property fees
• salaries for business founders, unless essential to the execution of the proposed project (e.g. unique technical skills/knowledge)
• recruitment and procurement fees
• basic office supplies and equipment
• grant application cost, administration costs or infrastructure levies
• payments to directors
• any other expenditure items determined by the SA Government as usual business operational costs

See the guidelines for full details of eligible costs

Applications are submitted via Grants Online portal.

Book a no obligation discovery session with GrantHelper to increase your chances of success.

The following documentations was required for Round 1 applications:

• a minimum of a concept plan and costing – final plans and costings considered favourably
• letters of support from other council areas who would/could benefit from the upgrade
• evidence of confirmation of other funding sources.
• written consent from the relevant public land manager or private landowner to undertake the activity.
• approval for appropriate works permit/s from councils or other authorities.

See the guidelines for full details of information requirements in Round 1.