NSW Environmental Protection Agency NSW Government

$2.28 million awarded to fight local litter

01 May 2025
EPA Litter

More than $2 million has been awarded to 19 projects across NSW to combat local litter and keep communities clean.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has provided funding to councils, community groups and government agencies to roll out initiatives preventing litter and protecting the environment. 

NSW EPA Executive Director of Programs & Innovation, Alexandra Geddes said the program will help the NSW Government meet its goal of a 60 per cent reduction in litter by 2030. 

“We’re investing in raising awareness, changing behaviours and delivering infrastructure to encourage responsible waste disposal,” Ms Geddes said. 

“We want to keep local parks, bushland and suburbs clean because litter on land doesn’t just stay there – it often gets washed into drains and creeks, eventually polluting our rivers and oceans. 

“In fact, for every piece of litter on land, nine times more can be found in our waterways.

“All applicants were independently assessed, and the selected projects will target litter hotspots from Cobar to Ballina, creating lasting change.” 

Grants range from $10,000 to $400,000 and include:

  • Camden Council – $70,000 to develop a roadmap to reduce litter in hotspots and waterways, including appointing a dedicated Project Officer. 
  • Clean up Australia – $400,000 to set up a pilot program targeting problematic behaviour and the organisation transitioning from clean-up efforts to litter prevention. 
  • Cobar Shire Council – $20,000 to install new cigarette butt bins, signage and engagement activities to reduce cigarette butt litter at hotspots like Cobar RSL Club and Drummond Park.
  • Impowerful - $10,000 for four clean-up events in the Cumberland LGA, engaging 5–18-year-olds to bridge the gap between traditional custodianship of the land and litter prevention. 
  • Placemaking NSW – $100,000 to develop a four-stage strategic approach to litter prevention efforts across Sydney’s harbour foreshore, including audits, mapping and research. 
  • Purple Card Project - $51,486 to collect data, collaborate with stakeholders and develop strategies such as recruiting a Litter Prevention Project Officer in the Hunter region. 

Further investment is available, with expressions of interest for intake five of the Litter Prevention Grants Program now open until March 2026. 

For more information and a full list of successful recipients visit: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/grants-available-litter-prevention