Introduction to the Waste Minimisation Fund
Minimising waste is a major challenge we face in Aotearoa.
From overflowing landfills to growing climate pressures, it’s clear we need smarter ways to reduce, reuse, and recover what we throw away. But meaningful change takes more than good intentions – it takes investment, innovation, and the right support to turn bold ideas into action.
This is where the Waste Minimisation Fund (Te Pūtea Whakamauru Para) comes in.
Administered by the Ministry for the Environment, the WMF exists to support projects that diverts organic waste from landfill and help build a more sustainable, circular economy. Whether it’s developing new infrastructure, trialling innovative approaches, or scaling up community initiatives – the fund is designed to back efforts that make a measurable difference.
The WMF is financed through the national waste disposal levy, which is collected from every tonne of waste sent to landfill. This means the fund quite literally turns landfill costs into resources for smarter, more sustainable solutions.
For businesses, the WMF represents a unique opportunity to secure co-investment backing that can turn innovative waste solutions into reality. With government support behind you, ambitious ideas that might otherwise stall can gain the funding momentum they need to move forward.
Since 2010, there has been $211 million in grant funding provided to over 344 organisations for waste reduction initiatives. Each year, up to $30 million is available through the fund – or until the allocated funds are exhausted.
In this guide, we’ll explore what the Waste Minimisation Fund is, the types of projects it supports, how the application process works – and how Swell helps businesses access it.
What types of projects are funded
The Waste Minimisation Fund supports projects that reduce waste, recover valuable resources, and divert material from landfill. While the fund has previously backed a wide range of initiatives, it now focuses specifically on organic waste – including food scraps, green waste, paper, and cardboard.
For businesses, that means funding is available to support new initiatives or significant expansions that tackle organic waste in a measurable way. The fund isn’t designed to cover the running costs of existing operations – it’s there to help get ambitious, impact-driven projects off the ground.
Here are some of the project types the WMF can support:
- Infrastructure upgrades – such as on-site composting systems, anaerobic digesters, or new equipment to manage organic waste more effectively.
- Technology and innovation – tools, software, or processes that improve how waste is collected, sorted, or processed.
- System-wide improvements – initiatives that rethink how waste is managed across a supply chain, business network, or region.
- Collaborative or community partnerships – particularly where business, iwi, councils, or community groups are working together.
- Behaviour change and education – projects that help shift mindsets and habits around waste minimisation, especially at scale.
The fund can cover both capital and operational costs, provided the project meets the WMF’s criteria and offers clear public benefit.
If you’re exploring ways to reduce organic waste in your operations – or developing a solution for your sector – the WMF could help bring it to life.
Key criteria considerations
The Ministry for the Environment applies a clear set of criteria to assess whether a project is a good fit. These help ensure funding goes to initiatives with strong impact, strategic alignment, and long-term value.
Here are the key things to keep in mind:
Project type
Your project must promote or achieve waste minimisation – specifically through the reduction, reuse, or recovery of waste. At present, the fund is focused on projects that target organic waste like food scraps, green waste, and paper/cardboard.
Impact
The Ministry gives preference to projects that demonstrate measurable environmental, social, or cultural outcomes. It’s not just about what you’re doing – it’s about what difference it will make, and how you’ll prove it.
Scale
There are minimum grant thresholds:
- $100,000 for research, feasibility studies, and pilot projects
- $250,000 for all other project types
This means your project needs to be robust and sufficiently scoped.
Co-funding
The WMF is not designed to cover 100% of project costs. Applicants are expected to contribute alongside the government. For commercial proposals, the WMF will generally contribute up to 40% of the total cost, with the remaining funding sourced from the business or other partners.
👉 For example, if your project has a total cost of $2 million, the WMF will generally contribute $800,000, while your business would need to cover the remaining $1.2 million through internal budgets or additional funding sources.
Strategic value
Projects that align with broader goals – like transitioning to a circular economy, reducing emissions, or supporting system-wide change – are looked on more favourably. Collaborative, cross-sector projects often stand out.
Exclusions
The fund won’t cover:
- Business-as-usual operations
- General running costs
- Projects that could reasonably be funded by private capital
It’s designed to support new, ambitious initiatives that wouldn’t otherwise get off the ground.
How does the application process work
Applying to the Waste Minimisation Fund is a competitive process, and it requires careful preparation. At a high level, the steps usually include:
- Checking eligibility – confirming your project meets the fund’s criteria
- Submit an enquiry form – frames up your project
- Preparing a detailed proposal (if enquiry is accepted) – including project plan, budget, governance, and impact assessment
- Submitting during a funding round – applications are only accepted while rounds are open
- Assessment and decision-making – proposals are reviewed against the fund’s criteria and priorities
- Funding agreement and reporting – successful applicants must meet delivery milestones and report on outcomes
In terms of timing, the process typically takes several months from application to decision, and projects are expected to run over a set timeframe of one to three years.
How Swell helps businesses access the Waste Minimisation Fund
Grant applications such as the Waste Minimisation Fund can be complex, time-consuming, and resource-intensive. For many businesses, the challenge isn’t coming up with great ideas – it’s knowing how to frame them in a way that resonates with the Ministry for the Environment and stands up to a rigorous assessment process.
That’s where Swell comes in.
We specialise in what we call grant architecting – taking your ideas and shaping them into well-structured, fundable projects that fit with what the WMF is looking for. Our team has spent years in the funding space, and we know what a strong application looks like. We’re here to make sure your proposal not only meets the requirements, but also presents a compelling case for investment.
Just as importantly, it’s not only about writing an application that the WMF will approve – we focus on building grant-fundable projects that align with your strategic direction and that you can confidently deliver in the years that follow.
Here’s how we support you through the WMF process:
- Project architecture – we work with you to turn your concept into a clearly defined project. Sometimes businesses approach us with a single idea, or several; our role is to refine, expand, and align your project so it fits tightly with the WMF’s objectives.
- Strategic alignment – we review your business strategy and future plans to ensure the project creates genuine value for you, not just a funding application for funding’s sake. If it’s not the right fit, we’ll be upfront.
- Prework for smoother contracting – one of the biggest hurdles comes after approval, when projects move into contracting. We put significant effort into the upfront planning and detail, so that once you’re approved, the contracting process is faster, easier, and with fewer surprises.
- End-to-end support – from shaping your project around WMF priorities, through drafting the proposal and preparing supporting documents, to navigating the Ministry’s review process and into delivery and reporting, we’re with you at every step.
- Deep funding expertise – our team has experience on both sides of the table – applying for and assessing grants. This perspective gives us a clear understanding of what reviewers look for, and how to avoid the pitfalls that trip up many applications.
- Confidence in compliance and delivery – WMF funding isn’t “free money.” It comes with strict accountability and reporting requirements. We help you put forward a strong plan, robust governance, and credible financials – giving the Ministry confidence your project will deliver.
With Swell as your partner, you can approach the Waste Minimisation Fund with confidence – knowing your project is well-structured, strategically aligned, and supported by a team of funding specialists who understand what it takes to turn bold ideas into funded reality.
Ready to explore the Waste Minimisation Fund?
The Waste Minimisation Fund is a powerful way to unlock co-investment for projects that reduce waste and support a more circular economy. But securing funding takes more than a good idea – it takes a well-structured proposal, strategic alignment, and the right partner to guide you through the process.
If you’re considering a project that could benefit from WMF support, our team is here to help you assess eligibility, shape your proposal, and manage the application process from start to finish.
👉 Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help bring your waste minimisation project to life