WASM Litter Prevention Grants Program – Intake 5 (Australia)

Deadline: 02-Mar-2026

The NSW Government is inviting councils, community groups, and other stakeholders to apply for the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy (WASM) Litter Prevention Grants Program. The program offers funding of $5,000 to $500,000 to support strategic, evidence-based initiatives that reduce litter, build organizational capacity, and foster cross-sector collaboration across New South Wales.

Program Overview

The WASM Litter Prevention Grants Program is designed to support initiatives that reduce litter, particularly plastic items, across New South Wales. It aligns with the NSW Government’s litter reduction targets, including a 60% reduction in litter items by 2030 and a 30% reduction in plastic litter items by 2025.

The program encourages strategic, evidence-based approaches that strengthen organizational leadership, build partnerships, and ensure sustainable outcomes that extend beyond the funding period.

Key Objectives

• Support NSW litter reduction targets for 2025 and 2030

• Build organizational ownership and leadership for local, regional, and statewide initiatives

• Encourage evidence-based litter prevention projects

• Increase long-term capacity to deliver strategic and sustainable litter prevention

• Foster collaboration with authorities managing public land where projects or infrastructure are implemented

• Promote cross-sector partnerships and consolidate achievements across the State

Funding Details

• Funding Range: $5,000 – $500,000

• Eligible Applicants:

  • Local government authorities

  • Not-for-profit organizations

  • Businesses

  • Regional waste groups

Note: Stream 2 applications are not eligible for Intake 5.

Eligible Activities

Projects must focus on sustainable litter prevention outcomes and may include:

• Community education and awareness campaigns

• Litter collection programs

• Strategic infrastructure improvements for litter management

• Collaborative projects across multiple councils or organizations

• Innovative, evidence-based approaches that can scale regionally or statewide

Applicants are expected to:

• Collaborate closely with local and regional authorities

• Work in partnership with other stakeholders for maximum impact

• Demonstrate measurable litter reduction outcomes

• Build long-term capacity and networks for sustained results

Application Process

Applicants should prepare proposals that clearly demonstrate:

• Alignment with litter reduction targets

• Evidence-based approaches and strategic planning

• Capacity to implement projects effectively

• Plans for collaboration, monitoring, and sustainability

Applications are submitted to the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for assessment.

Expected Benefits

• Measurable reduction in litter, including plastic items

• Strengthened local and regional leadership in litter prevention

• Expanded networks and partnerships across sectors

• Sustainable, long-term solutions to litter and waste challenges

FAQs

1. Who can apply?
   Councils, not-for-profit organizations, businesses, and regional waste groups in NSW.

2. What funding is available?
   Grants range from $5,000 to $500,000 per project.

3. Are projects outside NSW eligible?
   No, projects must deliver outcomes within New South Wales.

4. Can organizations submit multiple applications?
   Applicants should consult the EPA guidelines; Stream 2 applications are not eligible for Intake 5.

5. What types of projects are supported?
   Evidence-based initiatives that prevent litter, increase capacity, promote collaboration, and deliver sustainable results.

Conclusion

The NSW WASM Litter Prevention Grants Program offers a significant opportunity for councils, community groups, businesses, and regional waste organizations to implement strategic, evidence-based initiatives. By fostering collaboration, strengthening capacity, and supporting sustainable outcomes, this program contributes to a cleaner, healthier environment across New South Wales.

For more information, visit NSW Government.