Incentives are on offer in NSW workplaces to reduce waste, increase recycling, and improve the bottom line thanks to a $6 million rebate initiative.

Rebates from $1,000 and up to $50,000 covering up to 50% of the capital cost of small-scale, on-site recycling equipment or technology that avoids, reduces, reuses, or recycles waste.

All organisations interested in applying can contact the EPA's Business Programs unit to discuss potential rebates, eligibility, the application process and accessing trained Bin Trim assessors. It is recommended that any uncertainties be raised prior to submission to reduce the risk of an unsuccessful application.

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants Businesses applying for the Rebates Program must: 

• have a commercial and industrial (C&I) waste service at a site in NSW 
• have a valid ABN and employ one or more full-time employees in NSW, and 
• currently send C&I waste to landfill in NSW or process/recycle C&I waste generated by businesses.

Businesses can include entities that are registered charities, not-for-profits, public entities (including schools and hospitals), and government organisations.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible for the Rebates Program:

• The application must be prepared and submitted by an 'Eligible applicant' (specified above).
• The equipment or technology funded must be installed on the property of the applicant and commence operation within 3 months of the applicant signing a Funding Deed with the EPA.
• The equipment and technology funded must support the program objectives (specified above).
• Equipment cannot have been ordered, procured, leased or installed before the rebate application is approved by the EPA. This includes entering into contracts to purchase or lease the equipment or technology before the rebate application is approved.
• The equipment or technology must divert or avoid new tonnes of waste going to landfill (examples of the equipment or technology that may be funded are specified below). Where the equipment is complementing an existing food waste collection service, the applicant must demonstrate how it will increase recovery of additional food waste, reduce contamination or improve service efficiency and/or costs.
• For waste streams other than food organics, equipment must divert new tonnes of waste from landfill.
• The equipment or technology must meet the EPA's rebate funding thresholds for diverting or avoiding waste (see table 1 in Funding available section).
• The equipment will reside on a site in NSW and divert waste that was generated in NSW.
• Purchased equipment or technology must be operated and maintained for the term of the Funding Deed.
• Leased equipment or technology must be leased, operated and maintained for a minimum of 12 months from the date of installation.
• Co-contribution from the business must be a minimum 50% of the cost to purchase or lease the equipment. This co-contribution must be a monetary payment and cannot include a payment in-kind.

• Phone: 131 555
• Email: Bintrim.rebates@epa.nsw.gov.au