The NSW Government has opened the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 (WASM) Litter Prevention Grants Program for councils, community groups and other key stakeholders to deliver litter prevention projects and develop strategic plans to address litter in their local environments.

Up to $10 million is available from 2022 to 2027.

Funding is provided under 3 streams:

• Stream 1: Small-scale, on-ground projects, including a dedicate cigarette butt litter program
• Stream 2: Strategic development and capacity building
• Stream 3: Own It and Act strategic implementation

Funding

A total pool of $10,000,000 is available for on-ground projects and strategic initiatives across three streams over several intakes of funding to 2027.

You can apply for multiple projects within Stream 1 and multiple initiatives in Stream 2.

Applicants may apply for a higher stream in subsequent intakes. It is expected that applicants will apply for only one stream per intake. Applicants can apply for a maximum of $500,000 across multiple streams and intakes available up to 30 June 2027.

For example: Organisation X may apply for $40,000 for a cigarette butt (Stream 1) project in intake 1, and then apply for Stream 2 initiative(s) for $65,000 in intake 2, followed by $395,000 for Stream 3 initiatives in intake 3.

Eligible bodies

To apply you must meet the following eligibility criteria: 

• be a local council, regional waste group, community organisation or an alliance or State Government agency located in NSW. Businesses are eligible to apply for cigarette butt litter and clean-up projects only. Schools may apply for clean-up grants
• have a project/initiative that is geographically located in NSW 
• be able to deliver an initiative that is in line with the program objectives, as determined by the TRC 
• be able to maintain reliable financial records and separately account for grant funds 
• Community organisations must: 
  • be a non-government, not-for-profit organisation 
  • have their own constitution and be incorporated under the law of a state or territory as an incorporated association, company or cooperative society
  • hold an Australian Business Number (ABN)

• Address: PO Box A290
• Email: litter.prevention@epa.nsw.gov.au