- The Recycling Modernisation Fund opens a $6 million grant round in Western Australia to enhance resource recovery
- Funding is available to local governments for recycling improvements in WA's regional and remote areas
- Projects developing long-term, economical solutions to waste management challenges are eligible for grants from $50,000 to $1 million
The Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) has today opened a new grant round for Western Australia with up to $6 million available for improvements in plastic, tyre, paper and cardboard recycling.
Communities throughout remote and regional WA will benefit from grants of up to $1 million to boost local government recycling capacity.
Through the RMF, the Albanese Government is investing more than $200 million in new and upgraded recycling infrastructure across Australia, contributing towards $1 billion of investment made alongside States, Territories and industry.
Some communities in WA have no kerbside waste collection or access to recycling centres due to the challenges of managing waste in regional and remote areas.
This shared RMF funding from the Albanese and Cook Governments aims to meet those challenges by building recycling infrastructure across the State.
The RMF's local government funding stream is part of a wider $70 million joint investment by the Albanese and Cook Governments to support the State's resource recovery system.
The RMF has already supported 15 projects in WA which are expected to provide 212,000 additional tonnes of recycling capacity and bring more than $149 million of investment from government and industry in the State's recycling infrastructure.
Local projects designed to increase collection, sorting, storage and reprocessing of waste materials are eligible for grants of between $50,000 and $1 million.
Applications open on 19 January 2026 and close at 4pm on 27 February 2026.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit: Recycling Modernisation Fund | Western Australian Government
As stated by Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt:
"The Albanese Government is partnering with States and Territories to tackle the problem of waste and meet our target to double circularity by 2035.
"This investment will deliver real benefits for Western Australia's remote communities by investing in new facilities and equipment upgrades which help recover resources like plastic, tyres, paper and cardboard.
"Through projects like these, the Recycling Modernisation Fund supports local jobs and economic growth in communities while also delivering real wins for our precious environment."
As stated by WA the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"Greater access to recycling services is crucial to responding to the waste management challenges facing Western Australia's remote and regional communities.
"Essential infrastructure is the foundation for a circular economy, where any product which is no longer useful for its original purpose is reused, recycled or remanufactured.
"Investments which improve resource recovery or more economical collection and separation of materials will be considered for grants.
"We are seeking innovative projects that provide local solutions to local problems, increase employment, solve transport issues and generate economic benefits State-wide."
