The Victorian Government is encouraging companies and organisations to apply for funding for innovative projects or technology that will cut the amount of hazardous waste produced in Victoria.

Established to provide financial support for new hazardous waste reduction initiatives, The Government says the HazWaste Fund is the first initiative of its kind in Australia.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings said the Brumby Government is “providing funding for projects that reduce, reuse, recycle and treat waste”.

“It’s estimated that the increase in hazardous waste landfill levies since 1 July, 2008, will deliver around $30 million to the HazWaste Fund and this will be distributed to hazardous waste reduction projects over the next four years,” he said.

“The aim of the levy increases is to make landfill disposal of hazardous waste a last resort. The reinvestment of this levy will help the waste industry find innovative alternatives and transform waste from a business cost into a resource opportunity.

The Brumby Government has a goal of zero high-hazard waste to landfill by 2020.

“Industry is making great progress in cutting waste by increasing recycling and reuse. We want to ensure this good work continues and supporting projects through the HazWaste Fund gives industry a further incentive to cut hazardous waste production.

He said fund proposals would be reviewed by a HazWaste Fund Panel, comprising expert representatives from industry and Government.

The HazWaste Fund is administered by EPA Victoria and any organisation involved in generating, treating, transporting, researching or disposing of hazardous waste or contaminated soil is eligible to apply for funding.

Information and application forms are available at
http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/projects/PIW_Reduction/hazwaste.asp