The Regional District of Nanaimo is looking for innovative zero waste project proposals from organizations in the region.
Non-profit, private, government and student organizations are eligible to apply for the Zero Waste Recycling Funding program in 2021.
The focus of the funding is to target the recycling of materials that are currently not part of a stewardship program or an established commercial market, while helping the RDN reach 90 per cent diversion of waste from the landfill by 2029.
“The ZWRF program gives us a unique opportunity to help local non-profits and community groups develop new waste-reduction processes and partnerships,” said Tyler Brown, RDN chairman. “These initiatives will contribute to the RDN’s diversion targets and help create a circular economy in our region.”
The RDN envisioned the ZWRF program will fund a wide variety of innovative initiatives including recycling and actions further up the zero-waste hierarchy of highest best use that will increase waste diversion through the development of a circular economy such as, but not limited to:
• Acting as a research and recycling hub for hard to recycle items;
• Conducting programs including reduction and redesign of materials;
• Re-using, repairing and reprocessing of materials; and
• Investigating barriers to recycling.
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“The Regional District of Nanaimo is mobilizing to reach our ambitious waste reduction goals,” said director Ben Geselbracht, chair of the solid waste committee. “Part of this is supporting local innovation through the ZWRF funding to better manage the materials we use.”
Proposals from all parties will be considered. Preference will be given to applications from non-profit organizations and partnerships between organizations and that meet the following objectives: Maximize waste diversion; Encourage non-profit and private sector innovation to develop markets and processes; and Improve convenience for recycling materials.
Applications will be accepted until Dec. 14 at 12 p.m. and can be submitted by email to: Nikita Kitagawa at nkitagawa@rdn.bc.ca; subject line: Zero Waste Recycling Funding Proposal.
An application guide with a sample proposal outline is available on the RDN website at rdn.bc.ca/currentbid-opportunities. Questions about the application process can be phoned in to 250-390-4111 or toll free at 1-877-607-4111.
— NEWS Staff