Up to $25,000 per project to support implementation-ready waste education projects that drive behavior change, boost resource recovery, and enhance waste avoidance across Western Australia.
Current status of program
CLOSED
To register your interest in future rounds or discuss alternative grant opportunities please contact us here.
On this page you will find
What is the WasteSorted Community Education Grants?
The WasteSorted Community Education Grants (WSCEG) program is a State Government initiative administered by the Waste Authority through the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. These grants support education-based community projects that advance Western Australia’s vision of a low-waste, circular economy. The program aligns with the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030, which aims to avoid waste, recover more resources, and protect the environment.
This program supports eligible organisations to deliver implementation-ready waste education projects that foster behaviour change, promote resource recovery, and improve waste avoidance practices across Western Australian communities.
WasteSorted Community Education Grants level of support
- Minimum funding amount: Not specified
- Maximum funding amount: $25,000 per project
Co-contribution:
- Not mandatory, but strongly encouraged
- Can be financial, in-kind, or a combination
- In-kind contributions such as volunteer hours can be valued at $46.96 per hour
- Applications demonstrating co-contributions will be assessed more favourably
WasteSorted Community Education Grants important dates
- This program is currently closed
- Register your interest with GrantHelper
WasteSorted Community Education Grants objectives
The grants aim to deliver measurable outcomes aligned with the waste strategy’s three pillars:
- Avoid: Reduce waste generation at the source
- Recover: Increase the recovery of value and resources from waste
- Protect: Prevent environmental harm from waste
Preference is given to projects focusing on priority materials, which include:
- Organics (food and garden)
- Construction and demolition waste
- Glass (packaging and containers)
- Metals (ferrous and non-ferrous)
- Paper and cardboard
- Plastics (packaging and containers)
- Textiles
- Hazardous waste (non-household)
Projects and expenditure eligible for WasteSorted Community Education Grants support
Eligible projects and activities include:
- Training and community information-sharing sessions
- Campaigns aligned with the WasteSorted and Be a GREAT Sort messaging
- Development and dissemination of waste reduction and reuse resources
- Behaviour change campaigns and public outreach
- Applied research with publicly accessible results
Funding may be used for the following project-related costs:
1. Marketing and Outreach
- Design and printing of flyers, brochures
- Social media campaigns
- Advertising and promotional supplies (e.g. signage, banners)
2. Personnel Costs
- Wages or fees for project staff
- Payments to educators or workshop facilitators
3. Professional Services
- Fees for workshop presenters
- Project organisers or specialist consultants
4. Workshop and Event Costs
- Venue hire
- Participation incentives (e.g. refreshments, giveaways)
5. Project Administration
- Postage and packaging
- Administrative supplies directly related to the funded project
6. Workshops held on school property
- Permitted, provided the school is not the applicant
Ineligible expenditures and projects include:
- Projects focused on unrelated issues (e.g. water or air quality)
- Projects that duplicate existing efforts without adding value
- Capital equipment or land purchases
- Projects without direct benefit to the WA community
- Containers for Change initiatives
- Projects that have already started or will proceed regardless of grant success
Examples of ineligible expenses:
- Organisation overheads (e.g. rent, electricity)
- Contingency line items
- Vehicles or fuel costs
- General sustainability items not related to waste (e.g. solar panels)
Other WasteSorted Community Education Grants important details that you will need to know
Organisations eligible for WasteSorted Community Education Grants support
Eligible organisations:
- Incorporated not-for-profits with a registered WA ABN
- Unincorporated groups auspiced by an incorporated body or local government
- Local governments and regional councils
- Research and education organisations (excluding schools)
- Businesses with at least one year of continuous operation
Ineligible applicants:
- Individuals or unincorporated groups without an auspice
- State government agencies or statutory authorities
- Organisations from Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands
- Schools (who can instead apply for WasteSorted Schools grants)
- Organisations with unresolved Waste Authority obligations
See the guidelines for full details of organisational requirements.
WasteSorted Community Education Grants assessment criteria
Applications will be assessed by an independent panel and approved by the Waste Authority based on the following evenly weighted criteria:
1. Project Benefits
- Alignment with the strategy’s avoid, recover, protect objectives
- Response to a pressing waste issue and relevance to focus materials
- Potential for lasting behaviour change
- Demonstration of best practices in waste education and management
- Expected environmental, social, and economic benefits (e.g. fewer emissions, more recovered material)
- Scope of project reach – number of people or volume of waste impacted
2. Viability of the Project
- Demonstrated community need
- Feasibility and realistic planning
- Consideration of project risks and mitigation strategies
3. Capacity and Capability of Applicant
- Track record and ability to deliver on time and within budget
- A clear project plan with objectives, outcomes, KPIs, milestones, and required resources
- Evidence of financial health and project budgeting
- Compliance with environmental regulations
4. Value for Money
- Cost-effectiveness and co-funding contributions
- Evidence of market research (e.g. quotes from suppliers)
- Potential for project outcomes to be sustained beyond funding
- Benefit delivery specifically in Western Australia
5. Addresses Focus Materials
- Relevance of the project to one or more of the priority waste materials
How do I get the WasteSorted Community Education Grants?
Applicants must:
- Read and understand the guidelines.
- Ensure eligibility for the funding. Applicants that do not meet all the eligibility criteria will not be considered.
- Deliver the project/s as outlined in the application.
- Provide complete information requirements.
Information to prepare for the WasteSorted Community Education Grants application
Applicants should be ready to provide:
- Organisation details, ABN, and auspice agreement if applicable
- A well-developed project plan with timeline, budget, and KPIs
- Project budget including co-contributions and clear breakdown of costs
- Supporting materials (e.g. previous project evaluations or community need analysis)
- Quotes for planned expenditure to demonstrate value for money
See the guidelines for full details of information requirements.
Applying for the WasteSorted Community Education Grants
Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants portal.
Register your interest with GrantHelper to explore your alignment with this grant and how we can assist you to increase your chances of success.
WasteSorted Community Education Grants resources
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