Environment Minister Alex Attwood today announced the launch of Rethink Waste’s third year of funding grants for Councils.

The Rethink Waste grants totalling £1.6million will be available in 2012/13 for capital projects that will reduce waste to landfill through recycling or reuse activity.

Rethink Waste Fund Grants have been awarded to Councils over the past two years for around 52 projects and it is estimated that they will result in the diversion of over 30,000 tonnes of waste from landfill each year. Diversion of this waste reduces the burden on ratepayers who would otherwise have to meet the cost of treating this waste and pay increasing landfill charges.

Commenting on the funding Minister Attwood said: “ Waste is increasingly being viewed as a valuable resource with potential to make a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy. This is one reason why £1.6million is being released – but I will see if further monies can be released in coming months.

“Whilst much progress has been made by the councils in terms of recycling I am convinced that more can be done and I want to continue to do what I can, to ensure Northern Ireland achieves high levels of recycling and decreased volumes of waste going to landfill.

“This is the third year in which the Rethink Waste Fund grants are on offer. Over the past two years the vast majority of all councils have been successful in obtaining grants for capital expenditure and I know many already have projects in mind for submission. I urge councils to submit high quality proposals to help us drive up recycling rates, meet our targets and save ratepayers as much money as possible.”

Further details on the application process, including the assessment criteria, application form and guidance notes are available on and http://www.rethinkwasteni.org