Byron Shire Council Steps Up Fight Against Litter with EPA Grant

Byron Shire Council is pleased to announce it has secured a $420,000 grant from the NSW Government’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA). This funding, part of the EPA’s Litter Prevention Grants program, will be instrumental in combating litter across the Shire.

This timely boost comes as the Council begins rolling out its newly developed Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy, which aims to foster long-term behavioural change among residents, businesses, and visitors over the next fve years.

Jordyn de Boer, from the Council’s Resource Recovery team, highlighted the signifcance of the grant, noting that Byron Shire is one of just 16 councils across NSW to receive this funding.

“This grant will enable us to fully implement the litter management component of our Litter and Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy, which is fantastic news for both the Council and the broader community,” Ms. de Boer said.

“Litter costs the Shire approximately $1.45 million annually. It places a signifcant fnancial burden on ratepayers, while also posing health risks and endangering our local wildlife and natural environment.”

A recent EPA litter study revealed that plastic items, particularly takeaway food and beverage packaging, constitute 81% of litter in NSW.

Byron Shire Council’s own litter monitoring efforts over the past fve years identifed balloons, party decorations, fshing waste, and cigarette butts as additional key contributors to the litter problem.

The Council’s strategy specifcally targets these problem items through initiatives like the Balloon-Free Byron Shire campaign, Source to Sea program, and partnerships with local businesses aimed at reducing waste at the source. Ensuring proper waste management practices will also be a central focus of the effort.

Additionally, the strategy includes the installation of infrastructure designed to support a circular economy, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to sustainable waste management.

For more information on the Council’s litter and illegal dumping prevention efforts, visit the Byron Shire Council website.

Ballina Shire residents can now take advantage of the Council’s new Reusable Products Rebate, offering up to 50% off the purchase price of reusable nappies, period products, and continence management items. This initiative is designed to help residents make more sustainable choices, reducing both the environmental and economic impacts of disposable hygiene products.

The rebate is part of the Council’s ongoing effort to address waste management, recognizing that disposable nappies, period products, and continence items are a signifcant contributor to household landfll.

According to Justine Rowe, Resource Recovery Education Offcer, these products are the fourth largest waste stream by weight in household bins across