WASM Litter Prevention Grants Program NSW

Purpose and Program Overview

The WASM Litter Prevention Grants Program (Waste and Sustainable Materials) is a New South Wales Government initiative. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) manages it. The program aims to reduce litter in local, regional, and statewide environments. It supports councils, community groups, businesses, and other stakeholders. They undertake litter prevention projects. These projects help meet NSW’s litter reduction targets. This includes a 60% decrease in litter items by 2030. It also aims for a 30% reduction in plastic litter by 2025. These targets are part of the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 and the Plastics Action Plan.

Up to $10 million is available for funding from 2022 to 2027. The program focuses on projects that build capacity for sustained litter prevention. It uses evidence-based approaches, strategic planning, and collaborative partnerships. It plays a role in helping organisations implement effective, long-term litter management and prevention initiatives. It also encourages cross-sector collaboration and community engagement in environmental sustainability efforts.

By investing in infrastructure, community education, strategic frameworks, and on-ground initiatives, the WASM Litter Prevention Grants Program supports new ideas and best practices in litter reduction. This helps NSW move towards a cleaner, more sustainable environment. It also stimulates local employment in waste management and environmental services.

Key Grant Details

• Grant amount: $5,000 to $500,000 per project, depending on the stream and project scale.
• Application open: 26 February 2025.
• Application close: 30 October 2025 (for Intake 5).
• Eligible industries/business types: Local councils, community groups, businesses (for specific projects like cigarette butt litter and clean-ups), regional waste groups, Aboriginal groups, and other organisations involved in litter prevention.
• Co-contributions: Not explicitly mandated. However, co-funding and partnerships are encouraged to increase project impact.
• Location/state/territory applicability: New South Wales only.

Priority Sectors

The program is open to a broad range of sectors involved in litter prevention activities. Priority is given to projects that focus on reducing litter across diverse settings. These include urban, regional, and coastal environments. Initiatives such as public land management, community engagement, infrastructure upgrades, and original approaches to litter prevention are particularly encouraged.

Funding Scope

The Litter Prevention Grants Program provides funding under three streams:

• Stream 1: On-ground Projects:
  • Small-scale, on-ground litter prevention projects.
  • Includes a dedicated program for cigarette butt litter (up to $40,000).
  • Clean-up projects (up to $5,000).
  • General on-ground projects (up to $85,000).
  • Project timeline: Typically 3 to 12 months.
• Stream 2: Strategic Development and Capacity Building:
  • Up to $100,000 available for capacity building.
  • Aimed at developing new leaders and supporting organisations to embed litter prevention principles.
  • Project timeline: Typically 3 to 12 months.
• Stream 3: Own It and Act Strategic Implementation:
  • Up to $450,000 available for strategic implementation.
  • Projects that have completed Stream 2 and established an “Own It and Act” baseline.
  • Project timeline: Maximum 3 years.

Project durations vary but must align with grant terms and be feasible within the funding round timeframe. Funding is typically provided in three instalments: an initial payment, a second payment during project delivery (after an EPA site inspection), and a final payment (10% of the total grant) upon submission of the final report.

Grant Amount in Total

Up to $10 million is allocated for litter prevention funding from 2022 through 2027.

Eligibility Criteria

• Organisations registered and operating in New South Wales.
• Eligible entities include local councils, community organisations, businesses (for specific project types), regional waste groups, Aboriginal groups, alliances, and other relevant bodies. Schools may apply for clean-up grants.
• Ability to demonstrate the capacity to manage and deliver the project.
• Hold necessary insurances and comply with legal, environmental, and safety requirements.
• Valid Australian Business Number (ABN) required.
• Capability to engage with relevant stakeholders and authorities managing public lands where projects are delivered.
• Projects must use EPA-proven litter prevention methods.
• Projects should not duplicate or repeat current or past efforts at an identified hotspot.

Eligible Activities and Expenses

• Installation and upgrade of litter prevention infrastructure such as bins, signage, and litter traps.
• Community education and engagement initiatives aimed at changing littering behaviours.
• Development of litter prevention strategies, action plans, and monitoring frameworks.
• Collaborative projects across multiple organisations or sectors addressing litter.
• Data collection and reporting activities related to litter monitoring and evaluation.
• Project management, capacity building, and technical support are directly related to litter prevention efforts.
• Cleaning, infrastructure improvements, education and awareness campaigns, enforcement activities, and initiatives that build a sense of ownership.

Assessment Process

This is a competitive, merit-based selection process.

Evaluation is based on:

• Project merit and alignment with NSW litter reduction targets and strategies (60% overall litter reduction by 2030; 30% plastic litter reduction by 2025).
• Strategic fit with program objectives and broader environmental policies.
• Value for money and cost-effectiveness.
• Demonstrated capacity to deliver outcomes.
• Collaboration and community engagement potential.
• Evidence-based approach (e.g., using Local Litter Check data).

Applications often involve an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage followed by a full application for invited applicants. All applicants are independently assessed.

Recent Program Updates

Intake 5 opened on 26 February 2025. Applications close on 30 October 2025. Intake 5 focuses on Stream 1 (on-ground) and Stream 3 (strategic implementation) projects. Stream 2 is not included in this round as it is for organisations progressing from prior intakes. There is an increased emphasis on collaboration with land management authorities and community organisations to ensure lasting litter prevention impacts. The EPA provides ongoing workshops and support to help applicants with project design and monitoring frameworks.

Application Tips

• Confirm eligibility early. This includes organisational status and NSW operational focus.
• Prepare clear, evidence-based project plans. Demonstrate expected litter reduction outcomes. Use data such as from a “Local Litter Check” to underpin proposals.
• Engage with local councils and stakeholders managing public lands early in the planning phase.
• Include detailed budgets with justifications. Consider using partnerships to strengthen applications.
• Address program objectives clearly. Explain how projects support the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 and the Plastics Action Plan.
• Submit applications early. This allows time for feedback and refinement before the closing date.

Where to Get Help for the Litter Prevention Grants Program

Consider consulting with a professional grant specialist like Pattens Group. We provide expert assessments to determine your organisation’s eligibility and help align your project with the WASM Litter Prevention Grant objectives. Additional support and resources are available via the NSW Environment Protection Authority website and associated government portals.