Litter Prevention Grants Program: grants available

Up to $10 million in funding is available in 3 streams from 2022 to 2027.

The NSW Government has opened the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 (WASM) Litter Prevention Grants Program for councils, community groups and other key stakeholders to deliver litter prevention projects and develop strategic plans to address litter in their local environments.

Up to $10 million is available from 2022 to 2027.

Funding is provided under 3 streams:

  • Stream 1:​ Small-scale, on-ground projects, including a dedicated cigarette butt litter program
  • Stream 2:​ Strategic development and capacity building
  • Stream 3:Own It and Act strategic implementation

Expressions of interest for Intake 5 are open
These guidelines will help guide your application for funding

Submit your Expression of interest in grant funding through SmartyGrants.

Intake 1 – now closed
Intake 2 – now closed
Intake 3 – now closed
Intake 4 – now closed
17 February 2025Intake 5 applications open (Stream 1 & 3 only)
2 March 2026Intake 5 EOIs close (Stream 1 & 3 only)
30 March  2026Intake 5 applications close
30 June 2028WASM Litter Prevention Grants round closes

Intake 5 now available for stream 1 and 3 applications only

Applications for stream 1 and 3 will now be accepted under a new Intake 5. EOIs  can be submitted at any stage between 17 February 2025 to  2 March 2026 and applications close on 30 March 2026. Applications will be assessed periodically, , and funding will be available until total funding for the round has been exhausted. The EPA will work closely with all grantees during this period to ensure they are aware of the remaining funding available, and of the timings for the technical review of applications.

The primary purpose of Intake 5 is to provide a final opportunity for stream 2 grantees, who were awarded under previous intakes, to progress to a stream 3 initiative. Funding will not be available for stream 2 under Intake 5, as these projects will not have the opportunity to progress to stream 3.

Monitor your grant projects using the EPA litter data framework

This workshop presentation explains how to use the Australian Litter Measure to set benchmarks and monitor your litter prevention initiatives.

WASM Litter Prevention Grant Program webinar

Intake 4 – grant recipients and project summaries

Stream 1 – On ground projects

Belmont Wetlands State Park - $30,000

Belmont Wetlands State Park (Beachfront) Litter Prevention Project

The Belmont Wetlands State Park Litter Prevention Project addresses the issue of littering along its 5km beachfront, a recognized hotspot, through infrastructure improvements, community initiatives, and consistent enforcement. Enhanced waste disposal and recycling facilities will be introduced at the campground and beach access track, supplemented by regular clean-ups to uphold the area’s natural beauty. Partnerships with community groups will support educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the social and environmental consequences of littering, encouraging lasting behavioural changes among visitors. By tackling the root causes and implementing effective regulations, the project seeks to reduce littering, improve visitor experiences, and preserve the pristine charm of Belmont Wetlands State Park.

Stream 1 – Cigarette Butt projects

Cobar Shire Council - $20,000

Put the Butt! A Cigarette Litter Prevention Program

Cigarette butt littering is a major issue in several hotspots across Cobar shire, despite the availability of general litter bins. Observations from the Butt Litter Check and additional research show that many smokers improperly discard cigarette butts in high-traffic areas like the Long Vehicle Trailer Parking Area, Cobar RSL Club, The Great Western Hotel, and Drummond Park. To tackle this, the project will introduce targeted infrastructure and awareness campaigns, supporting the council’s existing litter prevention efforts. It will focus on reducing butt litter by installing new butt bins, adding signage, and engaging the community. The goal is to prevent further environmental contamination and promote responsible disposal habits.

Stream 1 – Clean Up projects

Impowerfull - $10,000

Clean Up Country (Cumberland LGA)

This initiative will feature four clean-up events at litter hotspots in the Cumberland Council areas. Designed for youth aged 5-18yrs, and targeting the local community, this approach offers a hands-on, authentic experience to bridge the gap between traditional custodianship of the land and litter prevention. Participants will learn about the deep connection Aboriginal people have to Country. Uncle John will share stories and knowledge, highlighting the impact of litter and pollution on local ecosystems and the lives of the traditional custodians. The program concludes with collective clean-up effort, where participants Clean Up Country and sign a pledge designed by Uncle John, which will be presented to Council as a symbol of the community’s dedication to environmental stewardship and cultural respect.

Stream 2 – Strategic development and capacity building

Randwick City Council - $70,000

Integrated litter management through identification of source and measurement

Randwick City Council's proposed litter prevention project aims to align with the NSW Litter Prevention Strategy 2022-2030 and contribute to achieving the NSW EPA’s litter reduction targets. The project will review and refine the existing litter management strategy, complete an Own it and Act Consensus Rubric, and develop a comprehensive litter roadmap. By integrating the Own it and Act framework, Council aims to foster a culture of responsibility and proactive action within the organisation and the community, ensuring sustainable and effective litter prevention.

Camden Council - $70,000

Think Before you Throw

Camden Council’s project will focus on conducting a comprehensive litter audit that will gather data and set benchmarks for achieving litter targets and applying the Own it and Act framework assessment to the development of a strategic approach to litter prevention. Deliverables will include the development of a strategic litter prevention document and roadmap to reduce litter in hotspots and waterways. The strategic document will be supplemented with data gathered from community engagement events. Council will collaborate across multiple teams and work together with experts and stakeholders to bring about the deliverables and incorporate a proactive approach to litter prevention into Council’s planning and operations.

Bega Valley Shire Council - $80,000

Bega Valley Litter Action Program

Bega Valley Shire Council will develop a litter action plan and a litter prevention roadmap to help Council to align its objectives with the NSW Litter Prevention Strategy 2022-2030 and establish realistic and achievable commitments in its plans, strategies and Integrated Planning and Reporting documents to meet NSW litter reduction targets. The project will establish a litter steering group including membership from the community.  The steering group will review existing plans and strategies including the Waste Strategy, Environmental plans, Coastal and Estuary Management Plans, and operational plans, and consolidate data sources on litter to inform a data baseline. The roadmap will establish how Council and its network of stakeholders will build capacity and deliver against each of the EPA seven litter prevention approaches.

Ballina Shire Council - $80,000

Ballina Shire Council Litter Prevention Roadmap

Ballina Shire Council is committed to improving its approach to litter prevention and aligning operations with the EPA’s litter prevention objectives. The strategic litter prevention initiative is a multi-phase project that involves establishing an Own it and Act baseline to determine Council’s capacity in litter prevention, undertake a cost of litter study, including community outreach and consultation to quantify the operational, social, environmental and cultural heritage costs of litter and identify the most effective interventions. This study will inform a business case to outline the benefits of integrating litter prevention activities into routine council practices. This information will feed into a litter prevention roadmap which will include prioritised actions, timeframes and key performance indicators to improve Council’s capacity to undertake proactive litter prevention into the future.

Strathfield Municipal Council - $80,000

Strathfield Litter Prevention Strategy

Strathfield Council will develop a litter prevention strategy aligned with the EPA’s Own it and Act framework. This strategy will unify Council’s policies, procedures, training, and resources to create a clear operational roadmap to ensure effective litter prevention across the local government area. It will also clarify success metrics, foster team-wide buy-in, and establish Strathfield as a leader in community and public litter prevention efforts. With a focus on education and increasing participation in circular economy activities, the strategy will deliver measurable outcomes aligned with the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041.

Snowy Monaro Regional Council - $70,000

Better Understanding for Better Prevention

Snowy Monaco Regional Council will develop a tailored litter prevention roadmap and litter prevention strategy including prioritised actions, timeframes and key performance indicators to help Council to achieve its litter targets.  The project will address opportunities identified in Council’s Own it and Act baseline and enhance cross-departmental collaboration, foster leadership support, and provide the knowledge needed for effective capacity building. A cost of litter study will assess the full cost of managing litter across the organisation by identifying key touchpoints, mapping existing public bin locations, and developing performance metrics to guide decision-making, improve strategic direction, and establish financial sustainability.

Fairfield City Council - $80,000

Fairfield City Council Litter Prevention Strategy and Roadmap Development

Fairfield City Council will develop a comprehensive litter prevention strategy and roadmap aimed at reducing litter and fostering community engagement. The project will research current littering trends, behaviours, and data collection efforts to help establish a baseline. The strategy and roadmap will provide Council with a clear, long-term vision and a systemic approach to litter prevention. It will incorporate the key Own it and Act enablers for long-term sustained leadership, commitment, permission and effective processes. The strategy will be integrated within the broader Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, embedding litter prevention into the Council's corporate priorities and include actions and targets from the WSROC Regional Waste Strategy and Georges Riverkeeper Strategy.

Penrith City Council - $80,000

Penrith Litter Strategy & Roadmap

Penrith City Council will develop a litter strategy, roadmap and establish an internal steering group. The litter strategy and roadmap will include setting local targets, with cross-departmental collaboration. Local targets will be clear, with realistic but ambitious goals, timeframes and KPIs and will support NSW litter reduction targets. Cigarette butt litter targets will also be detailed in the strategy. A litter roadmap will detail how Council will work towards long-term litter prevention targets set in the strategy, including delivery actions. An internal steering group will establish ownership and leadership within the organisation, aiding in defining litter roles and responsibilities of departments across Council. Existing relationships with neighbouring councils such as Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury, and Regional Waste Group members will be utilised through informal collaboration sessions.

Property and Development NSW - $80,000

Clean Spaces Strategy

The Clean Spaces Litter Prevention Strategy is Property and Development NSW (PDNSW)’s commitment to reducing litter across its portfolio of community sites and will be designed to align with the objectives and targets of the NSW Litter Prevention Strategy 2022-2030. This initiative will establish a comprehensive framework to reduce litter across PDNSW’s portfolio of community sites, ensuring cleaner, safer, and more sustainable spaces. This strategy focuses on fostering community pride, enhancing site stewardship, and implementing innovative litter management solutions. By integrating strong governance, data-driven insights, and collaborative partnerships, it aims to create cleaner, safer, and more sustainable spaces for the benefit of the environment and the community. The strategy aligns with PDNSW's long-term vision of sustainability and resilience, ensuring impactful and lasting results.

Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG) - $80,000

Integrated Litter Management Roadmap and Litter State of Play

The Parramatta River Catchment Group (PRCG) is delivering a series of strategic initiatives to address litter management. Initiatives include comprehensive analysis of existing literature and research including key studies from the EPA, Western Sydney Organisation of Councils, and various catchment groups;  refining the Greater Sydney Harbour Regional Litter Prevention Strategy (2021-2030); establishing baseline metrics using the Own it and Act framework; undertaking Australian Litter Measure studies to better understand litter hotspots, building capacity for members, and developing an integrated litter roadmap for the Parramatta River Catchment. The PRCG's approach aims to align these initiatives with the NSW Litter Prevention Strategy (2022-2030).

Transport for NSW - $100,000

We want the NSW Transport network to be a litter free environment that we can all share and enjoy

The grant project will support Transport for NSW and its associated road, rail and maritime networks to work towards meeting the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 (WASM) and NSW Plastics Action Plan targets. The project will combine actions from the Future Transport 2056 Strategy and the WASM Strategy, including applying circular economy principles and actions to meet the targets of both strategies.

Transport will use the Own It and Act process to dovetail consultation and engagement processes and establish a business-as-usual approach. A litter prevention strategy will identify priority litter types and functional areas. The strategy will determine the focus areas of the roadmap and a 5-year action plan. The roadmap will outline the monitoring and evaluation framework including a cost of litter study.

Purple Card Project - $51,486

Strengthening organisational capacity for ongoing litter prevention in the Hunter Region

Purple Card Project (PCP) will embed litter prevention into strategic and operational practices, transitioning from ad-hoc actions to sustained systemic efforts. Key activities include strengthening organisational leadership and processes and integrating litter prevention into the organisation’s core mission using the Own it and Act framework.

The initiative involves collecting data to inform decision-making, fostering collaboration with councils, community groups, and organisations, and developing a comprehensive litter prevention strategy and roadmap. These deliverables will define targets, timelines, and actions while ensuring alignment with statewide efforts. A business case will outline sustainable funding models and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework will measure progress. By adopting this capacity-building approach, PCP seeks to lead regional litter prevention efforts, achieving measurable outcomes for the Hunter Region and contributing to NSW’s statewide goals.

Placemaking NSW - $100,000

Litter-free Legacy

Placemaking NSW's Litter-free Legacy initiative seeks to reduce litter across Sydney's iconic harbours foreshore precincts, fostering cleaner, more inviting public spaces while supporting the WASM strategy targets for long-term sustainability. The project will progress through four key stages: (1) scoping and research, including audits, stakeholder mapping, and stablishing an baseline through Own it and Act framework to build organisational capacity; (2) business case development, outlining the initiative's strategic, financial and environmental benefits; (3) a strategy action plan, setting measurable objectives and alignment  with broader government priorities; and (4) a roadmap, detailing delivery, monitoring, and investments needs to sustain momentum and ensure long-term success.

Stream 3 – Own It and Act strategic implementation

Canada Bay Council - $400,000

Litter Management and Prevention Plan Implementation

Canada Bay Council is "Working together for a litter free City of Canada Bay". Council has committed to reducing priority litter by 30%, and cigarette butt litter by 30% within 5 years, increasing investment in litter prevention and volunteer participation in community clean-up events, and continuing regional efforts to improve the Parramatta River. Council will integrate litter prevention into its budget, enhance infrastructure, manage and share litter knowledge internally, review policies and procedures, implement data-driven decision making, and foster partnerships with stakeholders. Council will expand its community and business programs by providing resources, training, and providing recognition. It will target sources of litter such as events, engage and educate the community, and increase the reach of the Love Your Place program. To prioritise its foreshore, Council will deliver targeted campaigns, mark stormwater entry points, optimise infrastructure along the foreshore, encourage community engagement and participation, and collaborate with partners and regional groups.

Hawkesbury City Council - $400,000

Hawkesbury Litter Prevention Project

Hawkesbury City Council's Litter Prevention Vision is "Empowering Council, community, businesses, and visitors, to take informed, efficient actions towards a litter-free future." Council increase investment in litter prevention, integrate litter prevention into its corporate framework, and increase registrations to Report a Tosser. The targets are to reduce litter and cigarette butt litter by 20% by 2029, and the number of litterers in the community to less than 40%. Litter prevention will be embedded into the IP&R framework and robust monitoring and evaluation to assess progress towards targets will be included in its Litter Prevention Plan. The communities and businesses in the Hawkesbury’s diverse villages will be supported to implement best-practice waste management, including at community and sporting events. Focused on lasting behaviour change, Council will implement interventions that focus on its priority littered items, in priority locations. Council’s partnerships with the Hawkesbury Nepean River Catchment Authority and WSROC will help amplify the message and reduce litter.

Clean Up Australia - $400,000

Mobilising our community from clean up to litter prevention

The Clean Up Australia Litter Prevention Vision is "For all communities to care for and protect our environment for future generations", with the objective of preventing litter and waste. Clean Up Australia aims to reduce litter in priority locations by 30%, increase its investment in litter, and boost engagement with 20 community groups by 2030. Litter prevention will be included in all organisational documents and aligned with a new strategic direction by 2030. Clean Up Australia will identify litter prevention actors in the community, understand their motivations and challenges, and how to engage them in partnership for a pilot program. Working with these leaders to identify key local litter hotspots, litter prevention projects that target problematic litter behaviours will be implemented. Funding models will be explored with new funding partners to contribute to their corporate sustainability goals. Clean Up Australia will better monitor changes in litter and improve its reporting experience for the community, to make informed decisions on future litter prevention activities. 

Intake 3 – grant recipients and project summaries
Stream 1 – On-ground projects
Stream 1 – Cigarette Butt projects
Stream 1 – On-ground clean-up projects
Stream 2 – Strategic development and capacity building
Stream 3 – Own It and Act Strategic Implementation

Georges River Council $35,000

Healthy Hospitals

This project aims to tackle the persistent issue of littering surrounding five hospitals within Georges River Council. By implementing an integrated litter management strategy, the project seeks to reduce littering incidents and foster cleaner environments for the wellbeing of patients, staff members and the community. The initiative involves collaborating with hospital stakeholders to identify litter sources and patterns, strategically installing litter bins and signage, and leveraging established campaigns like "Don't be a Tosser" to raise awareness about litter impacts and expectations. Council cleansing crews will conduct initial clean-ups and ongoing monitoring, with enforcement gradually implemented to deter littering behaviour.

Sydney Airport $40,000

Butt Be Gone Initiative

This project aims to tackle the issue of cigarette butt littering at Sydney Airport, recognising the environmental and health risk posed by this behaviour. The project seeks to develop targeted strategies to discourage smoking, raise awareness of the risks, and install butt bins. The key target audiences include travellers and airport workers, with a focus on reducing butt littering in common areas and promoting healthier behaviours. The project seeks to create a cleaner, safer, and smoke-free environment at Sydney Airport.

Purple Card Project $10,000

Community Clean-Ups at Wallsend Skatepark and Ironbark Creek

This project will deliver two community Clean Ups, one at Wallsend Skatepark and another along a section of Iron Creek. The project will involve the community in clean-up activities to create awareness, establish litter free areas and protect the waterways along the creek.

Fixx Events $5,000

Avoca Beachside Markets Clean Up Event

Avoca Beachside Markets, a longstanding eco-conscious event, will run a community clean-up day. With a focus on minimal waste and environmental impact, the initiative aims to engage over 100 families and patrons in cleaning up the local shoreline and surroundings areas, while enjoying free breakfast and educational incentives.

Georges Riverkeeper $42,280

Georges Riverkeeper Roadmap

For this project Georges Riverkeeper will develop a Roadmap in line with the existing Georges River Litter Prevention Strategy. The Roadmap will analyse the organisation’s current progress, set a vision and targets, create organisational goals, develop an M&E framework, establish future funding requirements, and refine the strategic directions and initiatives to align with the NSW Litter Prevention Strategy. The project will dedicate additional resources to work with member councils to build support and endorsement of the catchment wide strategy. The project will set up Georges Riverkeeper and partnering councils to be better placed to enact litter prevention in the long term and across the catchment.

Maitland City Council $100,000

Litter-Free Futures: A Comprehensive Strategy for Litter Prevention

Maitland City Council's Strategic Litter Prevention Initiative encompasses a multifaceted approach aimed at effectively addressing litter within the organisation and aligning with the objectives outlined in the NSW Litter Prevention Strategy 2022-2030. The initiative integrates key strategic actions, including the development of a comprehensive strategy, the creation of a business case, completion of the Own It and Act Consensus Rubric, and the establishment of a Litter Roadmap. These initiatives are designed to build capacity, set targets, and drive meaningful action towards achieving litter prevention targets.

No More Butts $36,400

Building strategic capability on the prevention of tobacco product waste in NSW

This project will support No More Butts to develop a Strategic Litter Prevention Plan and Roadmap. It will embed litter prevention across the organisation and align actions with the NSW Litter Prevention Strategy, specially supporting the 50 per cent reduction in cigarette butt littering behaviour.

City of Canada Bay $40,000

City of Canada Bay Litter Prevention Roadmap

The City of Canada Bay will facilitate the creation of a detailed Own It and Act Roadmap outlining Council’s strategy for attaining long-term litter prevention goals. The Roadmap will consolidate various data sources into a single, coherent document. It aims to define a clear and collaborative approach, specifying the resources and investments necessary to turn these aspirations into reality.

The Roadmap will be developed with a flexible approach that is receptive to feedback. This approach will allow staff to collaborate and evaluate current approaches to realign targets and actions with Council’s vision as a litter prevention leader.

Cumberland City Council $420,000

Implementation of Cumberland City Council Litter Prevention Strategy and Action Plan 2024-2028

As part of the EPA strategic development grant funding stream Cumberland City Council has developed its first Litter Prevention Strategy and Action Plan 2024-28 and Roadmap. This five-year program endorses the delivery and implementation of the Strategy and Roadmap to realise Council’s vision to keep Cumberland litter free and empower the local community. A set of litter prevention targets and initiatives have been set, encompassing three strategic directions: 1. Welcome – build community pride and establish expectations. 2. Belong – empower our stakeholders to take litter prevention action. 3. Succeed – foster a systemic and integrated approach to litter prevention.

OzFish Unlimited $420,000

Tackling Litter in the Recreational Fishing Community and Industry

OzFish has established a target of reducing recreational fishing litter by 50% by 2029. This project will contribute to achieving this target by increasing engagement of the recreational fishing community and industry in litter prevention activities and behaviours.

This ambitious target will be achieved through a set of strategic initiatives including establishing volunteer Litter Officers in the 22 chapters throughout NSW, providing boat bags and lure retrievers to recreational fishers and using OzFish network of recreational fishing personalities and influencers to normalise litter prevention in recreational fishing.

Shellharbour City Council $420,000

Let's Litter Less - Shellharbour Council

This initiative will assist Shellharbour Council in delivering new long-term approaches to litter prevention through an array of strategic directions and initiatives. Council’s litter prevention five-year Roadmap identified key areas of improvement, including: 1. Integrating data capturing and centralised information on management processes. 2. Developing data-based education and engagement programs. 3. Strengthening collaboration between teams and documenting clear roles and responsibilities. 4. Assessing the need for additional infrastructure for improving litter management in hotspots.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service $425,000

NPWS Litter Prevention Program

National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) has created a litter prevention vision and goals for the next five years outlined in the first NPWS Litter Prevention Strategy and Roadmap. This initiative supports the implementation of holistic programs which create a foundation for an ongoing coordinated approach to litter prevention within NSW National Parks, with the initial primary objective of reducing litter at trial sites by 50%.

The NPWS Strategy and Roadmap provide strategic directions to realise the vision to move on from the current reactive approach, towards coordinated and proactive litter prevention. This new approach for NPWS will focus on improving data and reporting mechanisms to set realistic targets, better understand the extent of the issue and assess the performance of litter prevention initiatives as they are rolled out across the state.

Inner west Council $400,000

Inner West, Litter Less

Inner West Council Litter Prevention Roadmap outlines a coordinated, cross-department approach to improving Council's litter management policies, practices and operations. This long-term initiative will support Council in its understanding of litter, implement monitoring and evaluation processes, and achieve ambitious litter reduction targets. Council will join forces with the community to collectively take responsibility for litter, working together to ensure local public spaces are welcoming, accessible, clean and safe. Inner West Council aims to deliver on four overarching strategic directions including: collaboration across departments, partnership with the community, reporting and tracking of litter, and incorporation of litter prevention into Council plans and processes.

Northern Beaches Council $404,000

Green and Clean Northern Beaches

The Northern Beaches Council Litter Prevention Roadmap provides a strategic framework under which a range of stakeholders collaborate to achieve the “cleanest public places in Sydney”. The Roadmap includes a combination of targeted place-based initiatives, themed approaches to specific groups, and broader engagement with the wider community and visitors. The Roadmap builds on the foundation of past litter prevention initiatives and is fully integrated with Council's newly adopted "Waste and Circular Economy Strategy". Council’s new litter prevention strategies and initiatives will strongly promote behaviour change to embed a litter prevention mindset into the Northern Beaches region.

Byron Shire Council $420,000

Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy 2024 – 2029

This program will assist Byron Shire Council to achieve the new litter prevention targets in the Council Litter Prevention Strategy and Roadmap. Over the next five years, Council aims to continue to adopt proven and effective integrated approaches and continue building organisational capacity to ensure that litter prevention is a high priority for Council, while the organisational agenda and investment reflects its importance. Council will continue to collect long-term litter data so that local litter problems and successes are clearly identifiable through evaluating trends. The Roadmap will implement long-term behaviour change initiatives focussing on the most problematic items and issues within the Byron Shire.

Bathurst Regional Council $403,950

Leaving Litter in the Past - Implementing Bathurst’s Litter Strategy

Bathurst Regional Council has recently completed the Own it and Act Rubric as part of the EPA strategic development grant funding stream. This resulted in the establishment of Bathurst’s Litter Prevention Strategy and Litter Prevention Roadmap. Council’s ultimate vision is to maintain a clean, safe and litter-free region that supports its heritage, culture, diversity, and strong economy and protects local natural areas. Bathurst Council is also committed to lead litter management across the region while increasing capacity for strategic partnerships and implementing preventative action.


 

 
Intake 2 – grant recipients and project summaries
Stream 1 – Cigarette Butt projects
Stream 2 – Strategic development and capacity building
Stream 3 – Own It and Act Strategic Implementation
TAFE​   $20,000
Ryde Butt Litter Prevention – (Central)
This TAFE aims to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of students and staff by providing education on healthy living and environmental sustainability. The primary approach will be raising awareness of the harmful effects of smoking for both individuals and the environment. A key strategy in achieving this is to participate in cross -functional collaboration internally across TAFE NSW. The project also seeks to implement a range of strategies to reduce the quantity of butt litter to eliminate the impact on the environment, including upgrading existing infrastructure and installing new one where necessary to support these efforts.
TAFE​   $40,000
West Butt Litter Prevention – (Central West)
This TAFE is committed to maintain the cleanliness and tidiness of their non-smoking areas, by addressing the issues of cigarette but litter. TAFE plans to achieve this by installing modern cigarette butt disposal bins to reduce the butt litter disposed of by people and scavengers. Additionally appropriate signage will also be placed in these areas to inform and guide individuals. TAFE NSW plans to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of students and staff through by providing education on healthy living and environmental sustainability. A key strategy in achieving this is to participate in cross -functional collaboration internally across TAFE NSW to support and implement these initiatives effectively.
TAFE​   $40,000
North Butt Litter Prevention – (North)
With this project TAFE aims to improve the overall health and wellbeing of students and staff members. In order to achieve this TAFE will provide education on healthy living and environmental sustainability, with a primarily focus on raising awareness about the harmful effects of smoking on individuals and the environment. They will foster cross -functional collaborations within the TAFE organisation. The project involves implementing various strategies, including educating teams across the campus. The main objective is to reduce the amount of cigarette litter which negatively impacts the environment. TAFE will achieve this by upgrading existing infrastructure and installing new facilities as needed to support these efforts.
TAFE​   $40,000
South Butt Litter Prevention – (South)
This project overall goal is to improve the health and wellbeing of both staff members and students. TAFE will provide education on healthy living and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on raising awareness about the harmful effects of smoking on individuals and the environment. It is essential to note that these are designated non-smoking areas and are situated in bushfires prone zones. As a result, locations choices have been prioritised by these factors and hot spot areas. TAFE will foster cross -functional collaborations within the organisation as well as implementing various strategies to reduce the amount of cigarette butt litter. This includes the upgrading existing infrastructure and installing new facilities as needed to support these efforts.
Clean Up Australia Ltd​   $39,000
Sustainable Behaviour Change Project: Strengthening Litter Prevention Capabilities
This project, facilitated by Behaviours Works focuses on delivering behaviour change and Litter Prevention training to empower Clean Up Australia's team to create a Litter Prevention Roadmap. It aims to address knowledge gaps within the team, providing a deeper understanding on Litter Prevention and its connection with behaviour change. The project reasoning is based on mitigating knowledge gaps identified during the first WASM project (Rubric consensus) and recognising the need for an integrated approach to litter prevention. The two key points of the project are: four focused training sessions covering system thinking, defining targeted behaviours, understanding drivers and barriers, aligning insights with intervention options for litter prevention trials. Additionally Clean Up Australia will also use a sentiment survey and volunteer engagement map (delivered on Stream 2, Intake 1) insights to better align messaging and initiatives with public sentiment and community expectations. The expected outcomes are to achieve better knowledge and understanding of litter prevention and litter behaviour, and the skills to create better anti-litter strategies. The project will result in a detailed Litter Prevention Roadmap, guaranteeing the organization's ongoing success in protecting the environment with a comprehensive approach.
Bayside Council​   $95,000
LitterSmart Bayside: A Evidence-Based Litter Prevention Strategy and Action Plan
Bayside Council's proposed Strategic Litter Prevention Initiative is a comprehensive approach to establishing the organisational structures, policies, objectives, and processes to engage in litter prevention. This initiative comprises four key components: 1) Organisational Capacity Assessment: Evaluate current capacity and resources to develop an implementation plan for effective litter prevention; forming a Steering Committee and a Litter Prevention Strategy Working Group, engaging various stakeholders across Council departments. 2) Data Collection Framework: Improve data collection methods to inform decision-making and establish baseline litter surveys. Council will develop internal reporting mechanisms and establish community reporting through CRM platforms, integrate with GIS, map hotspot areas, and make litter data publicly available. 3) Litter Prevention Strategy and Action Plan: Develop a comprehensive strategy targeting 60% overall litter reduction and 30% plastic litter reduction, with the involvement of a contractor and ongoing evaluation. 4) Roadmap: Create a roadmap for implementing the strategy and achieving the set litter reduction targets, supporting funding applications. This initiative emphasizes a structured and data-driven approach to litter prevention for cleaner and more sustainable communities.
City of Canada Bay​   $60,000
Canada Bay Litter Plan
This project aims to review and update the strategy plan, developed, and adopted by City of Canada Bay in 2016 “Putting Litter in its Place”. The new strategy will incorporate regional SSROC and Greater Sydney Harbour litter prevention strategies to ensure the council can meet broader commitments and regional objectives as well as targeted local programs in key hotspots; additionally, it will identify capacity gaps and potential partnerships for future litter prevention projects. This strategic review aims to provide a clear framework for ongoing litter reduction efforts in the community.
Hawkesbury City Council​   $100,000
Hawkesbury Litter Prevention Plan and Roadmap
The Council is dedicated to protecting the environment and has a Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2032 to achieve this. The Council has actively participated in the Western Sydney regional litter program through Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils representation (WSROC) and support the implementation of a litter prevention plan. Hawkesbury's objectives are to develop a local Litter Prevention Plan and Roadmap with cross-council representation in the steering group and WSROC. Additionally, the development of a business case for bin infrastructure, placement, and signage. This will allow the Council to build organizational capacity and ownership to conduct and continue the delivery of local litter prevention initiatives beyond the grant funding period and routine clean-up efforts, as well as strengthen collaboration by forming a steering group. The steering group will help to guide Council's strategic plans to manage public land, executing litter prevention projects, and identifying local factors influencing littering in Hawkesbury. With help from consultants and internal consultation Council will gather data about litter and viable solutions (i.e., local litter checks), results will be communicated through various channels, including the Council's website and social media.
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils​   $450,000
Western Sydney Regional Litter Program
​This program comprises three main objectives and five strategic actions. It seeks to emphasize the importance of litter prevention, motivate councils and stakeholders to enhance their efforts, and redirect collective resources towards initiative-taking litter prevention. The plan includes a Litter Prevention Leadership Program and the establishment of a Taskforce to build partnerships with regional councils, stakeholder, and community. Additionally, a Regional Litter Prevention Officer will be employed to support participating councils, and a Quantitative Data Program will provide accurate data for assessing the litter problem and its associated costs. This comprehensive approach aims to strengthen litter prevention initiatives and outcomes within the Region.
 
Intake 1 – grant recipients and project summaries
Stream 1 – On-ground projects
Stream 1 – Cigarette Butt projects
Stream 2 – Strategic development and capacity building 
Stream 3 – Own It and Act Strategic Implementation
Randwick City Council​   $60,000
Litter Free Gordons and Yarra Bay
​Local litter checks have identified extensive littering of beverage containers litter at Gordons and Yarra Bay. The project will involve deep cleans of the project locations and installation of fit for purpose infrastructure that can withstand the harsh sea breeze. Appropriate signage using the Tosser campaign will be developed and installed at the location as appropriate. Council will deploy litter officers to patrol the beach during the busy summer season to deter the community from littering and educate them about potential littering fines. Council will also engage the services of an interactive theatre group to engage with the community and provide positive litter messages during the summer season.
Liverpool City Council​    $35,000
Tackling takeaway litter in Liverpool
​Liverpool City Council are aiming to achieve reductions of litter in two hotspot areas. The highest littered items in these two hotspot areas are food and beverage rubbish from takeaways. By undertaking public education using signage both at the hotspot areas and close to the source hubs, an increase in enforcement where possible and improvements in waste infrastructure around these hotspots Council aims to significantly reduce the volume of larger littered items found and improve the amenity for the community.
TAFE​    $40,000
Cigarette Butt Litter Prevention – Sydney (St George, Loftus, Gymea)
TAFE NSW aims to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of students and staff by providing education on healthy living and environmental sustainability. and increasing awareness of the effects of smoking on people and the environment. Key strategies in achieving this are cross-functional collaboration internally across TAFE NSW, and positive and proactive engagement with local health providers. The project seeks to implement a range of interventions to reduce the quantity of butt litter to eliminate their impact on the environment.
TAFE ​  $40,000
Cigarette Butt Litter Prevention – Northern NSW (Casino, Kingscliff, Wollongbar)
This TAFE NSW project aims to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of students and staff by providing education on healthy living and environmental sustainability primarily through enhancing awareness of the effects of smoking on people and the environment. Key strategies include cross-functional collaboration internally across TAFE NSW, and positive and proactive engagement with local health providers. The project seeks to implement a range of strategies to reduce the quantity of butt litter to eliminate the impact on the environment, including upgrading and installing new infrastructure.
TAFE​   $40,000
Cigarette Butt Litter Prevention – Broken Hill Cluster West (Broken Hill, Wilcannia, Menindee, Coomealla, Moree)
TAFE NSW aims to keep its sites clean and tidy by reducing the butt litter on the ground. Many of these sites are non-smoking and TAFE aim to install appropriate signage and infrastructure to reduce the butt litter disposed of by people and scavengers. TAFE NSW also plans to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of students and staff through providing education on healthy living and environmental sustainability. This will be achieved by cross-functional collaboration internally across TAFE NSW in addition to positive and proactive engagement with local health providers.
TAFE​   $40,000
Cigarette Butt Litter Prevention – West (Dubbo and Orange)
TAFE NSW aims to keep its sites clean and tidy by reducing the butt litter on the ground. Many of these sites are non-smoking and TAFE aim to install appropriate signage and infrastructure to reduce the butt litter disposed of by people and scavengers. TAFE NSW also plans to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of students and staff through providing education on healthy living and environmental sustainability. This will be achieved by cross-functional collaboration internally across TAFE NSW in addition to positive and proactive engagement with local health providers.
Coonamble Neighbourhood Centre Inc​   $40,000
Butt Out Coonamble
To tackle the problem in Coonamble, the Coonamble Neighbourhood Centre will provide butt bins throughout the identified hotspot areas to decrease the cigarette butt litter rates. This will be complemented by signage to indicate the availability of the new bins to assist with educating smokers and the community in general. Local businesses will be included in general community discussions advising them of the availability of the new bins. The local newspaper, social media and other forms of advertising will be used to promote the project and acknowledge the NSW Government's contribution.
Purple Card Project Pty Ltd​   $40,000
Wallsend Village Butt Litter Prevention Project
The Wallsend Village Butt Litter Prevention Project comprises six hotspot sites surrounding Wallsend Village Shopping Centre. Observations revealed that a primary cause of littering across all sites is insufficient infrastructure, no designated smoking areas across the whole site, and “No Smoking” signs found at entrances only. To enhance Pride and Ownership and communicate expected behaviour the grantee will coordinate a thorough clean-up of all sites targeting small litter. This will coincide with the installation of signage and butt bins, supported by an extra car park cleaning to reinforce expected behaviour. The bus shelter will implement Pathways strategies to highlight the existing butt bin. Community surveys will assist to identify locations for smoking zones, additional butt bins, and signage across all sites.

Randwick City Council​   $20,000
Butt Litter Reduction at Randwick
The project plan will use the EPA's 13 step approach to butt litter reduction at La Perouse and Randwick. The butt litter check has identified significant butt littering at the two hot spots. Council will install appropriate butt bins along with Hey Tosser campaign signs. Interactive education will be undertaken for community awareness. Enforcement rangers will be mobilised for enforcement of butt littering. Butt litter checks will be conducted mid-way through and at the end of the project to achieve a target of 50% reduction in butt litter.

 

Byron Shire Council​   $95,000
Byron Shire Council Litter Prevention Plan and Roadmap
This project will consist of undertaking a Cost of Litter Study, continuing to monitor litter data in the local environment, undertaking EPA Own It and Act (OIAA) processes and engaging various stakeholders in the development of a strategic litter plan. Through this, Byron Shire Council aims to increase the organisation's capacity in litter prevention, in line with the four OIAA enablers. The plan will ensure ongoing, long-term, organisation-wide, commitment to litter prevention. The Plan will also include ongoing efforts to prevent litter from entering waterways by stopping them at the source, as a part of the 'Source to Sea' project. Project findings will further identify key problem litter items and sources, to guide strategic efforts, working towards a 60% reduction in all littered items by 2029.
Sydney Coastal Council Group​    $40,000
Greater Sydney Harbour Regional Litter Prevention Strategy capacity building project
The Sydney Coastal Councils Group’s project involves developing a Roadmap to work towards long-term litter prevention targets and delivery actions for the SCCG councils in Greater Sydney Harbour, as reflected in the Greater Sydney Harbour Regional Litter Prevention Strategy 2021-30 (RLPS). The project will work towards developing a Roadmap for the SCCG's Greater Sydney Harbour councils, underpinned by cost of litter studies for individual SCCG councils. Capacity building initiatives will continue to be developed, including the Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) Framework in partnership with the Parramatta River Catchment Group.

Bathurst Regional Council​   $96,000
Leaving Litter in the Past, A strategic approach to managing litter in Bathurst
​Bathurst Regional Council has commenced identifying its strengths and capacity building opportunities with respect to litter management across the four key OIAA enablers. A Steering Committee will oversee the development of a litter strategy and grow ownership of litter prevention within the organisation. Council has access to project data from litter hotspots and will grow this data though a litter study and investigate different types of litter across multiple locations to assist with future litter priorities. Council has a strong track record of external collaboration as well as sharing outcomes and learning.

Bathurst’s actions can limit litter impacts on Murray Darling Basin to improve water quality across the Central West. Council is committed to both waste and catchment education and has delivered the successful River Connections Project across six schools. The innovative project brings young people and Wiradyuri Elders together to learn about the river from a range of perspectives.

Council anticipates aligning the litter strategy with the objectives contained in the NSW Litter Prevention Strategy 2022 – 2030, the Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy and the NSW Plastics Plan. The final aspect to the project is the completion of the Stream 3 Roadmap in line with EPA guidelines to implement the key recommendations coming out of the strategy.

Canterbury-Bankstown Council​    $50,000
City of Canterbury Bankstown Litter Roadmap
 

The Canterbury Bankstown community has identified litter prevention and clean up as actions to deliver a clean city. Council will build a cross team, multi-focus area, cross catchment, and regional approach to littering. A litter roadmap will incorporate baseline data collected to evaluate progress towards the WASM targets. These activities will be incorporated into Operational Plans for future budgeting and funding opportunities.

The roadmap will engage neighbouring Councils, Regional ROCs, Catchment Groups and State agencies litter strategies/goals. It will pull together litter actions from across the organisation to deliver on a commitment to reduce litter that is deliverable and trackable with long-term goals. Synchronising outcomes with our neighbours and partners in a single document will make it clear to NSW that CB City is committed to WASM Strategy goals.

Seabin Foundation Ltd    $40,000
Seabin Foundation Litter Prevention Framework and target base Litter Reduction Strategy
This project will form Seabin Foundations’ long-term vision to empower litter prevention across community, private sector, and government. By influencing behaviour, policy change, and awareness according to localised facts measured regularly by Seabins, Seabin Foundation intend to reduce litter in Seabin catchment areas by 60%.

The project will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the extent and causes of littering in our community and throughout the study site. It will engage with stakeholders, including local government, businesses, schools, and community organisations to develop a comprehensive prevention and evaluation framework. An action plan will outline the specific steps to be taken to implement the framework, including timelines, responsibilities, and resources to identify the outcomes to be measured.

The Canterbury Bankstown community has identified litter prevention and clean up as actions to deliver a clean city. Council will build a cross team, multi-focus area, cross catchment, and regional approach to littering. A litter roadmap will incorporate baseline data collected to evaluate progress towards the WASM targets. These activities will be incorporated into Operational Plans for future budgeting and funding opportunities.

Inner West Council​   $100,000
Inner West, Litter Less – Developing a long-term litter prevention roadmap
The focus of this project is to increase Inner West Council’s capacity to undertake litter prevention initiatives, projects, and community engagement, permanently embedding litter prevention into the organisation and working towards Council’s litter reduction targets. Council currently endorses two regional litter prevention strategic development plans and has identified through the Own it and Act Status Check that it is ready to develop its own strategic goals. The project will produce a roadmap outlining long-term plans to incorporate litter prevention into all areas that manage litter. This long-term commitment will decrease dependency on short-term projects and grant funding. The cross-departmental steering group will remove common barriers such as communication breakdown or competing priorities/ projects and help all departments to work towards a common goal.

The Strategy will analyse preliminary data gathered from the study site and adapt for other relevant water catchment areas, interpret feedback given in steering committee, apply OIAA Framework assessment to the strategy, and action plan, to assess its alignment with the Own it and Act strategic implementation criteria and ensure the strategy can lead to the development of a 3-year roadmap to be implemented for Sydney Harbour and other areas in NSW.

Northern Beaches Council​   $96,000
Clean Environment in a Circular Economy
This initiative will provide Northern Beaches Council with a clear strategic direction for litter prevention, with defined targets and mechanisms for success. A cross-organisational steering committee will build understanding, collaboration and ongoing commitment and permission to take effective action on litter prevention. Ultimately, a "Roadmap to a Clean Environment" will be produced, to provide Council the opportunity to enter a new phase of strategic implementation of litter prevention over the long term. The roadmap will detail the rationale, objectives, initiatives, targets, and resources for Council to deliver on the "Clean Environment" direction of its Waste and Circular Economy strategy and other strategies, charters and plans. A Project Officer placed within Council's Waste and Cleansing unit will work strategically and collaboratively across the organisation to build the capacity of Northern Beaches Council to prevent litter. This initiative will build on a 2022 Cost of Litter Study and the findings of the Preliminary Status Check completed by Council in March 2023.

Clean Up Australia Limited​    $61,000
Understanding the journey from clean up volunteers to prevention
Clean Up Australia believes that litter prevention needs to be embedded at every level of the organisation and wants to embrace a more holistic approach towards litter prevention. To facilitate this change, CUA will develop a business case that maps out CUA’s vision for litter prevention, sets clear and tangible targets and impact tracking, and establishes how CUA can engage stakeholders to develop further actions beyond Clean Ups.

The roadmap will provide a framework for Clean Up Australia's future campaigns to align with the NSW Litter Prevention Strategy. The project will be informed by surveys, focus groups, and interviews with Clean Up Australia's volunteers and supporters. It will also draw on best practices from other successful environmental organisations in driving behaviour change. The roadmap will provide Clean Up Australia with a strategic tool to mobilise its network of volunteers and supporters towards prevention, championing actions, and leading their local communities to more a sustainable future.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)   $75,000​   NPWS Litter Strategy
NPWS has a major part to play in the State's success in litter prevention, with a particular interest on the impact of litter on the health of NSW’s plants, animals, and environment. This project will be the start of a comprehensive program to capture baseline data and conduct organisational surveys to help understand the litter problem. This will be used build leadership, set targets, and create a business case for further strategic work. A strategy roadmap will detail how NPWS will work towards long-term litter prevention targets and deliver actions beyond the life of the funding cycle. The project will transform the organisation's holistic understanding of the scope, size, economics, culture, and values needed for a state-wide organisational strategy. Many individuals, areas and NPWS executives have the appetite and the track record in the litter space, and the project will provide a unified vision, targets and actions, funding and organisational position to drive lasting and systemic change.

Cumberland City Council​   $80,000
 Strategic approach to litter prevention in Cumberland
Cumberland City Council aims to take an integrated and systematic approach to delivering litter prevention. Council will develop a Litter Prevention and Action plan to deliver key outcomes in line with the Own it and Act Framework. This strategy will develop a clear vision for litter prevention in Cumberland and streamline long-term litter prevention actions in Cumberland.

The deliverables from the grant include a Litter Prevention Strategy and Action Plan, Roadmap, Own It and Act consensus rubric, baseline of current organisational litter prevention capacity, and community engagement and communication actions. A steering committee made up of specialist across multiple disciplines within Council will meet regularly to guide the direction of the project.

OzFish Unlimited​    $79,200
Tackling litter in the recreational fishing industry and community
​OzFish’s Strategic Litter Prevention Initiative will work with the recreational fishing industry and community to develop a strategy for how to prevent litter in the recreational fishing community. Bringing together manufacturers, retailers, and end users as well as relevant government agencies and community groups of recreational fishers will significantly reduce litter entering our waterways. The strategy will identify the ‘who, what, where, why’ of litter from recreational fishers, and plan a framework for action to tackle the litter problem based on the greatest impact outcomes. Targets will be set for litter reduction by the recreational fishing industry and community, contributing to state government targets. OzFish will also work to increase the capacity of staff to take ownership of litter prevention by including litter in induction processes and engaging staff to reach out to their networks for consultation around the strategy. OzFish will present these strategy planning initiatives in a strategy document and develop a roadmap for OzFish's long term targets and the ongoing sustainability of its litter prevention work.

Shellharbour City Council​   $100,000
Shellharbour City Council litter reduction roadmap
Shellharbour City Council is committed to developing a Litter Reduction Roadmap to identify actions and goals to make Shellharbour City a clean and litter-free environment. Using a collaborative, cross-organisational approach Council will embed litter prevention practices throughout the organisation. The Litter Prevention Roadmap will enable Council to identify goals and actions to continue to embed litter prevention practices and build capacity within the organisation. Council has committed to establishing a Steering Committee and Working Group to ensure cross-divisional endorsement and input from the relevant stakeholders.

The Roadmap will build organisational capacity for litter prevention, establish litter prevention targets that align with Council’s capacity and EPA targets, identify the key sources of litter and how they enter our waterways, review existing infrastructure and catchment technologies to identify potential improvements, quantify the amount of litter and time allocated to litter management and improve monitoring and evaluation and data collection to ensure Council meets agreed litter prevention targets.

Take 3 for the Sea​   $449,978
Take 3’s Visitor Economy Industry Litter Prevention Program
​The purpose of Take 3’s Visitor Economy Industry Litter Prevention Program (‘VEI Program’) is to bring together leading NSW Visitor Economy Industry businesses and stakeholders (‘VEI businesses/stakeholders’), utilising a sector approach to inform and enable them to Own it and Act on the problem of visitor litter. Key outcomes are to build ownership and capacity for the NSW Visitor Economy Industry (VEI) and their consumers/visitors to act on and sustain litter prevention now and into the future through leading, educating, monitoring, amplifying, advocating, and celebrating litter prevention across the industry.

After the success of First Wave (Phase 1) and Ground Swell (Phase 2) of the VEI Program, the strategic intent of Phase 3 is to continue to inspire the ownership of visitor litter and to challenge the VEI to work together to achieve the NSW Litter Reduction Targets in line with the NSW Visitor Economy Litter Prevention Strategy 2030.

Cooks River Alliance​    $373,000
Against the Flow, shifting the litter paradigm in the Cooks River Catchment
The strategic intent of Cooks River - "Against the Flow" initiative is to further shift the litter management paradigm within the Cooks River catchment away from an emphasis on management after litter is released into the environment, to one that relies on coordinated, long-term catchment scale approaches to litter prevention. The Cooks River Alliance will play a coordinating role to establish a self-sustaining community of practice, foster partnerships to tackle catchment-wide litter issues and engage and empower the broader community to understand, support and advocate for litter prevention throughout the catchment. The secretariat will also include a report card on catchment wide litter data and progress.
 
WASM Litter Prevention Grant Round timeline