Funding boost announced for Victoria’s waste and recycling industry

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The Victorian Government has announced $4.7 million in funding to support industry driven projects and improve the collection, sorting and processing of recyclable materials.

Awarded under the Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund (RRIF) and administered by Sustainability Victoria, the funding supports the recovery of recycled materials and expansion of major recycling facilities, as well as improvement in the quality of collected and sorted materials suitable for commercial use.

Grant recipients will receive $4.7 million between them to deliver projects that include building a new PVC pipe recycling and manufacturing facility in Melbourne as well as a new and commercial and industrial materials recycling facility in Thomastown which will be able to process up to 20,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste each year.

Sustainability Victoria’s Interim CEO Carl Muller said the RRIF-funded projects will ensure that the waste and recycling industry will have the capacity and capability to recycle locally generated waste materials into high value commodities in Victoria.

“We cannot deny the importance of the waste and recycling industry. These grants will boost the resource recovery industry, creating jobs and driving investment in the sector,” Mr Muller said.

“The Resource Recovery Infrastructure Fund facilitates change to support industry growth and development in tandem with Victoria’s growing population

“Recycling infrastructure is vital to allow for increased capacity to recover valuable materials that can be used in other manufacturing sectors.”

He said the projects funded will provide an additional of over 100,000 tonnes of materials being diverted from landfill and will drive a strong circular economy that maximises the reuse and recycling of materials.

“These exciting and innovative projects will drive a strong circular economy that maximises the reuse and recycling of materials and reduces waste,” Mr Muller noted.

“Collective action from industry, government and the community can ensure Victoria remains a great place to live and operate in.”

Image credit: https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au