New Less Waste Fund launched to support waste-reducing community projects across Kāpiti

A new, year-round grant supporting less waste community projects in Kāpiti Coast is now open for applications.

The $20,000 fund supports practical initiatives that encourage participation and education, benefit the wider community, and drive long-term behaviour change to reduce waste.

Kāpiti Coast District Council Waste Projects Manager Robbie Stillwell says the new community project grant creates opportunities for small businesses, organisations, iwi and groups to work together to develop community-led solutions to reduce waste.

Two additional Less Waste Grants, the annual Community Projects Fund and Business Less Waste Fund will open in May, bringing this year's funding to $120,000, more than double last year's $50,000.

“Collectively, Councils in the Wellington region aim to reduce the overall total waste disposed to landfill by 30 percent by 2030,” says Mr Stillwell.

"While ambitious, the Kāpiti region sends nearly 30,000 tonnes per year, and working with the right people, we can divert a lot of it through recovery, reuse, recycle or through other projects that the community comes up with.

“Reducing waste protects the environment, supports a circular economy, and ensures compliance with the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.

“This in turn, delivers economic, social, and environmental benefits for current and future generations.

“Introducing a smaller project grant and almost doubling the community projects and business less waste funding from last year shows our commitment to working with the community to meet this target.”

Less waste funding comes from the Ministry for the Environment through levies paid by contractors and others who dispose of waste via transfer stations or landfills. No rates funding is involved.

Mr Stillwell says Council often receives similar applications each year.

“We’re really hoping to reach new groups and organisations with project initiatives that just need a bit of financial backing or support to get them off the ground.

“The more detailed and well thought out the application, the greater the chance of receiving funding.

“If you’d like to talk your plans over before applying, please get in touch and our team can provide guidance.”

Visit Funding for Less Waste for more information and to register. 

Editors Notes:

Formerly known as Waste Levy Grants, funding for Less Waste Grants support projects that increase the range, scale, and number of waste minimisation activities on the Kāpiti Coast.