Strategic Waste Initiatives Scheme (SWIS): Round Two 2009

Assistance now available - Strategic Waste Initiatives Scheme (SWIS)

The second round of SWIS funding for 2009 is now open.

Business and industry, local government, community groups and individuals are encouraged to apply for funding.

The SWIS was established to help our State achieve the vision of “A Towards Zero Waste Environment”.

Funding will be provided for initiatives which are consistent with the Waste Authority’s ‘Priority Areas for Funding’ and the Statement of Strategic Direction for Waste Management in Western Australia.

Priority Project Areas

The Waste Authority has identified the following as priority project areas:

1. Organics

Source-separated greenwaste

Funds to be made available for collectors to implement processes that allow for the collection of greenwaste separated at source.

Particular focus will be given to applications that result in:

• Wash-down facilities in non-metro areas to facilitate back-loading
• Collection points for drop-off of greenwaste (residential and small commercial).
• Promotion of the use of compost in private landscaping and open parkland areas.
• Separate greenwaste and bulk waste from vergeside collections.
• Implementation of source-separation kerbside bin infrastructure.
• Implementation of effective ongoing education / behaviour change programs linked to the above.

2. Construction and Demolition Waste Recovery and Recycling

Funds will be made available for two project areas:

1. The development of an effective supply system that will deliver increased quantities of construction and demolition waste to recyclers.
   
   Particular focus should be given to:

          a. Innovative methods through which state and local government, through non-core business activities, can assist in the supply of waste material to recyclers
          b. Industry education.

2. The development & support of C & D waste recycling in regional areas of the state.

3. Plastics

Funds to be made available to support the development or adoption of new and/or enabling technologies and processes that:

• demonstrably increase resource recovery, for example, optical sorting technology; or
• deliver value-added products with an emphasis on those that can replace virgin materials and can be used as an input into local markets, for example, shredding to crumbing in the case of tyres; or shredding to pelletised form for use in the local plastic injection moulding manufacture in the case of plastics; or
• contribute to improved product/process design and development.

4. Used Tyres

There is currently a relatively small used tyre recycling industry in Western Australia. While there is a strong export market at present, there is a need to prepare for the future where such a market may not exist.

Funds will be made available for projects in the following area:

• Funds to be made available for trials of rubber products generated from used tyres in the area of civil engineering.

5. Hazardous Waste from Households

There is currently little known about uses for waste water based paints other than as paint.Funds to be made available for investigation into alternative products and markets for used water-based paints.

Also, disposal of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) is emerging as an issue in Western Australia. DEC is receiving an increasing level of enquiries on this matter following the national commitment to phase out incandescent globes. Currently, mercury content of CFLs presents a disposal dilemma. Funding might be considered for development of projects/trials based on collection and recycling of CFLs.

How to Apply

The Waste Authority is interested in applications that focus on the ‘Priority Areas for Funding’ and complement its previous or current work. Applicants must apply using the prescribed form and specify the amount of funding support required.

Applicants must read the ‘Guidelines for Applicants’ document and familiarise themselves with the Priority Focus Areas for Funding 2009 and the Waste Authority’s Strategic Direction 2008.

If you wish to obtain a copy of the current SWIS Application Form, please email your request to the WARRA Grants Officer – bianca.king@dec.wa.gov.au and an electronic copy will be sent to you.

Applications must be received by 5pm Friday 11th September 2009.
No late submissions will be accepted.

For more information: www.zerowastewa.com.au/ourwork/supportschemes/swis/