Open Call for Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Grants Program in Australia

The NRM North Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Grants provide up to $10,000 per project to help organisations in northern Tasmania reduce waste sent to landfill and increase resource reuse. The program supports circular economy initiatives, recycling infrastructure, waste reduction programs, and community education projects, with all funded activities to be completed within 12 months.

The NRM North Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Grants program supports innovative, community-focused projects that reduce landfill waste and strengthen circular economy practices across northern Tasmania. The initiative funds practical actions that improve recycling, resource recovery, and sustainable behaviour change.

What Is the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Grants Program?

This grant program is designed to:

• Decrease the volume of waste sent to landfill

• Increase the recirculation and reuse of valuable resources

• Support local innovation in waste reduction and recycling

• Encourage long-term, sustainable practices within communities and organisations

The program prioritises projects that deliver measurable environmental outcomes and align with circular economy principles.

Funding Available

• Total funding pool: $45,000

• Maximum grant per project: $10,000

• Higher funding: May be considered if the program is undersubscribed

• Project duration: Must be completed within 12 months of signing the funding agreement

Funding is intended to support eligible project costs directly related to waste reduction and resource recovery.

What Activities Can Be Funded?

Eligible projects may include:

• Circular economy initiatives and pilot projects

• Waste reduction and diversion programs

• Investment in recycling or resource recovery infrastructure

• Educational and awareness initiatives promoting sustainable practices

• Community engagement projects focused on reuse, repair, and recycling

Projects should demonstrate clear outcomes that reduce landfill disposal or increase material reuse.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

A broad range of organisations are eligible, including:

• Not-for-profit community organisations and charities

• Schools and educational institutions

• Deductible Gift Recipients (DGRs)

• Sole traders

• Small, medium, and large businesses

• Local government councils and local government organisations

• State government organisations, including hospitals and tertiary institutions

Geographic Eligibility

Applicants must be based and operating in northern Tasmania, specifically within the following council areas:

• Break O’Day

• George Town

• Launceston

• Meander Valley

• Northern Midlands

• Dorset

• West Tamar

• Flinders Island

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to reducing landfill waste through circular economy or community-focused activities.

Why This Program Matters

Landfill diversion and resource recovery are critical to environmental sustainability. This program:

• Reduces environmental impact from waste

• Supports local innovation and infrastructure development

• Strengthens community participation in sustainable practices

• Advances circular economy outcomes at a regional level

• Helps organisations turn waste challenges into resource opportunities

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Confirm your organisation’s eligibility and location

2. Identify a project that reduces landfill waste or improves resource recovery

3. Develop a clear project plan with outcomes, timeline, and budget

4. Ensure the project can be completed within 12 months

5. Submit an application to NRM North with supporting documentation

Applicants should clearly outline how the project aligns with circular economy principles and delivers measurable results.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly quantify expected waste reduction or resource recovery outcomes

• Show strong community or stakeholder engagement

• Demonstrate feasibility within the 12-month timeframe

• Provide a realistic and well-justified budget

• Align the project with local sustainability priorities

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing activities unrelated to waste reduction or recycling

• Failing to demonstrate measurable outcomes

• Submitting projects outside the eligible geographic area

• Overly complex projects that cannot be delivered in 12 months

• Incomplete budgets or unclear project objectives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount available?
Up to $10,000 per project.

2. Can larger projects receive more funding?
Yes, higher funding may be considered if the program is undersubscribed.

3. How long do funded projects have to be completed?
All projects must be completed within 12 months of signing the funding agreement.

4. Are businesses eligible to apply?
Yes, sole traders and small, medium, and large businesses are eligible.

5. What types of projects are prioritised?
Projects that reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, or promote circular economy practices.

6. Is the program limited to not-for-profits?
No, both not-for-profit and for-profit organisations may apply.

7. Where must applicants be located?
Applicants must operate within eligible northern Tasmania council areas.

Conclusion

The NRM North Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Grants offer vital support for organisations committed to reducing waste and building a circular economy in northern Tasmania. By funding practical, innovative projects, the program helps communities and businesses turn sustainability goals into real environmental outcomes.