NSW preschools join the war on waste thanks to $6m in Bin Trim Networks grants

Pre-schools in New South Wales are among the 4,000 small to medium businesses which are helping to divert approximately 35,000 tonnes of waste from landfill each year thanks to $6 million in Bin Trim Networks grants awarded by the NSW Government.

Bin Trim is Australia’s largest business waste program aimed at avoiding, reusing and reducing waste, as well as saving money and cutting carbon emissions. It encourages innovation and collaboration across industry sectors, supply chains and precincts to address problem waste materials.

Cool Planet has been awarded $496,950 to educate more than 15,000 pre-school children on topics including how recycling works and stage engagement activities for staff and families. It will divert more than 1,000 tonnes of waste from early childhood education services. Key waste streams include food, soft plastics and nappies.

Alongside the grants the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has also released the Bin Trim app, a free resource enabling all NSW businesses to conduct their own waste assessment, create an action plan to avoid and reduce waste, and monitor improvements over time.

Bin Trim is part of the NSW Government’s Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy backed by $356 million over five years.

Businesses who want to get involved with the Bin Trim program can find more information on the EPA website or call the EPA on 131 555.