Examples of projects funded in 2025 include sustainable food recovery initiatives, construction waste recycling, repurposing 3D printing waste, fabric recycling, and reducing milk waste through reusable kegs.

In previous years, a portion of the grant has been allocated to Waimakariri-based organisations such as Kaiapoi’s Satisfy Food Rescue and the Waimakariri Bike Project.

Satisfy Food Rescue put their share of the grant towards staffing and operational costs, including vehicle maintenance and food refrigeration – key essentials that have helped the charity divert more than two million kilograms of food from landfill.

Applications close 31 May

Online applications must be received no later than 31 May 2026.

Grant decisions are made by elected members from the councils that form the Canterbury Waste Joint Committee, including Waimakariri District Council.

The application form, including eligibility and assessment criteria, is on the  Christchurch City Council website.