VIC Circular Economy Fund Hazardous Waste Round 4

Purpose and Program Overview

The Sustainability Victoria Circular Economy Infrastructure Fund (CEIF) Hazardous Waste – Round 4 is a government-funded program aimed at reducing hazardous battery waste and improving battery recycling infrastructure across Victoria. The primary objective is to expand safe and convenient battery drop-off points to minimise environmental and fire risks from improper disposal. This grant supports local councils and registered charities in installing new or upgrading existing battery collection infrastructure, as well as promoting these locations to the community.

The program forms part of the Victorian Government’s Recycling Victoria: A New Economy plan, which focuses on advancing a circular economy that prioritises sustainability and responsible resource management. CEIF Hazardous Waste – Round 4 is a strategic effort to reduce the growing waste stream of batteries, protect public health, and recover valuable materials for reuse in manufacturing and energy storage, thereby contributing to Victoria’s environmental goals.

With a funding pool aimed at supporting communities through improved waste management infrastructure and targeted advertising, the program contributes to a safer, more sustainable Victoria by enhancing access to proper battery recycling facilities statewide.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: Up to $22,000 per grant

• Application open: Open from 14 July 2025

• Application close: 1 December 2025 at 11:59 pm

• Eligible industries/business types: Local councils, registered charities, and alpine resort management boards in Victoria

• Co-contributions: No co-contribution required

• Location/state/territory applicability: Victoria only

Priority Sectors

The program explicitly prioritises sectors involved in hazardous waste management, community environmental initiatives, and recycling infrastructure development. Priority is for local government authorities and charities engaged in waste recovery and environmental sustainability efforts in Victorian communities.

Funding Scope

• Funding range: Grants up to $22,000

• Categories/streams:

  • Installation or upgrade of battery drop-off infrastructure (e.g., battery collection units at recycling centres or transfer stations)

  • Advertising and promotion of battery drop-off locations (up to 10% of the infrastructure funding request)

• Project timeline: Projects must be completed by 31 May 2026

Grant Amount in Total

• Total funding available varies; the program operates on a rolling funding basis until funds are fully allocated

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications must be from legally constituted local councils, registered charities, or alpine resort management boards based in Victoria

• Organisations must have an active Australian Business Number (ABN) operational for at least 12 months

• Charities must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission and operate within the charitable reuse, recycling, or retail sectors related to batteries

• Applicants must comply with relevant workplace laws and safety regulations

• Organisations must not be individuals, political parties, or government entities (except local councils and alpine resort boards)

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Purchase and installation of battery drop-off infrastructure able to accept a broad range of batteries: loose household batteries, vapes/e-cigarettes, small embedded batteries (<5kg), and larger batteries (5-60kg) such as e-bike and e-scooter batteries

• Advertising and marketing campaigns targeted at local municipalities or registered charity clientele to promote proper battery disposal (max 10% of total grant value)

• Associated community engagement and education activities supporting battery recycling awareness

Assessment Process

• Competitive, rolling application process with assessments conducted periodically

• Applications assessed based on:

  • Improvements proposed to battery recycling accessibility and safety

  • Demonstrated reach and effectiveness of advertising campaigns if included

  • Organisational capability and governance to deliver the project

  • Alignment with Sustainability Victoria’s circular economy and hazardous waste strategies

Recent Program Updates

• Round 4 of the grant program opened on 14 July 2025

• Funding available until 1 December 2025 or until all funds are allocated

• Increased focus on expanding battery recycling infrastructure to more locations to prevent environmental and fire hazards

• Ongoing support for charities and local councils to improve public battery disposal initiatives

Application Tips for CEIF Hazardous Waste

• Ensure your organisation meets eligibility, including registration and sector criteria

• Develop a clear plan for battery drop-off infrastructure placement and community engagement

• Budget accurately for infrastructure and advertising components, following spending caps

• Submit applications early to align with rolling assessment schedules

• Utilise Sustainability Victoria’s information sessions and published guidelines for preparation

• Provide all required documentation, complete and on time, to avoid processing delays

Where to Get Help for CEIF Hazardous Waste

Consider consulting with professional grant advisors such as Pattens Group. They offer tailored support to ensure your organisation’s eligibility and strengthen your application. Visit Sustainability Victoria’s grants webpage and Business Victoria for official resources and application instructions.