As springtime and the main events season draws closer, Bega Valley Shire Council has opened applications for its annual Waste Wise grants program.
The grants are designed to help event organisers run enjoyable events without the burden of landfilling avoidable waste.
Acting Waste Strategy Coordinator, Rechelle Fisher said a responsible waste strategy can make all the difference when organising a successful event.
"With so many Waste Wise events happening in the shire, people's expectations are that festival or event bins overflowing with non-recyclable packaging should be a thing of the past," Ms Fisher said.
"It's now normal for people to expect responsible waste management at the events they choose to attend.
"Some event organisers may be keen to implement these strategies, but they might be unsure how to plan and pay for a Waste Wise event.
"This is where our waste team and the Waste Wise grants come in. We have lots of suggestions to help organisers reduce waste to landfill including bin station hire, packaging requirements for stallholders, pre-promotion to encourage use of items like Keep Cups, in-event signage, bin attendants and wash-up stations.
"Organisers are able to apply for up to $5000 to offset the cost of implementing Waste Wise activities at their event.
"It is a competitive grant process, and we aim to divide up the funds available to deliver as many Waste Wise events as we can. Interested organisers can jump in straight away by checking out our Waste Wise Event Toolkit, available on our website.
"The toolkit will help organisers to work out how much funding they are able to apply for, as well as providing lots of background information on running a successful Waste Wise event."
Waste Wise grant applications are now open and close on Monday 29 August at 1pm.
For more information on how to apply and to download the Waste Wise Event Toolkit, go to Waste Wise Events Grants.
To keep informed on when community grants become available, register your details on Council's website.
