A joint funding scheme by the Australian and Western Australian governments will provide successful recipients a share in up to $30.75 million to build, expand or upgrade waste processing infrastructure.

This second round of the Western Australian Recycling Modernisation Fund will support the phase out of exporting certain types of waste plastics, tyres, mixed paper and cardboard.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Tanya Plibersek said: “Boosting recycling isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for jobs – for every one job in landfill there are three jobs in recycling.

“We know people want to do the right thing and recycle their waste, but the reality is there aren’t the facilities to do it. This funding will support new recycling infrastructure and help WA communities recycle more,” said Plibersek.

Up to $5 million worth of industrial zoned land is also on offer.

The funding will be invested in projects which increase the recovery of materials that can be reused or recycled as well as improve the capacity for sorting, processing and manufacturing of materials affected by waste export bans.

The WA and Commonwealth governments will contribute a maximum of two-thirds of the project costs, with applicants required to fund at least one third.

The Western Australian Recycling Modernisation Fund is investing $70 million in grant funding to address critical infrastructure gaps in the state’s waste management.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby encourages businesses to apply for this funding to improve the state’s ability to process and recycle waste.

“Western Australian businesses are embracing waste as a valuable resource that can create jobs, spark innovation and deliver strong environmental outcomes. This is a significant investment to transform WA’s waste and recycling industry, helping address critical infrastructure gaps while supporting the waste export bans,” said Whitby.

Applications close 4pm on 13 October 2023.