Food scraps and organic waste dumped in landfill will be reduced from a Victorian Government investment of more than five million dollars.

Sustainability Victoria will lead the $5.5 million investment, which itself has provided $2.5 million as part of the package, which is a statewide plan for delivering integrated waste management outcomes.

Environment and Climate Change Minister, Ryan Smith said local governments will be able to build infrastructure to better recover organic wastes and turn them compost, fertilizers and fuels.

“Recognising that local governments are critical service providers in the chain between business and households, the initiative builds on the resource recovery work of Regional Waste Management Groups in conjunction with regional councils,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith said more than 70 per cent of Victoria’s organic food and green waste ends up in landfill, requiring “wiser” solutions for waste and capitalization to recover and reuse resources.

“These initiatives will provide a strong boost for regional Victoria’s resource recovery efforts and aligns strongly with the renewed focus of Sustainability Victoria,” he said.

Sustainability Victoria has partnered with Regional Waste Management Groups (RWMG), and regional and rural councils providing support for odour reducing composting facilities; kerbside collection systems; and field trials for end-products of organic waste recovery.

Localised projects for RWMGs will receive additional support including a Building Victoria’s Organics Recovery package to support organic waste collection systems; and a Regional waste management group support package to support implementation of waste management programs to benefit local municipalities.

Priority waste projects in regional Victoria will receive a further $3 million from the state government over the next two years as determined by RWMGs.

According to the Victorian Government, the package further builds on its previous announcement of $3.5 million for rural landfill support.
 

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@governmentnews.com.au.  

Sign up to the Government News newsletter