The Northern Territory Government’s Sustainable Business Solutions (SuBS) grant program has a funding pool of $500,000 available to incentivise businesses to adopt alternatives to waste disposal and help the Territory transition towards a circular economy.

The Territory Government hopes the adoption of new approaches to managing waste by businesses will create economic and environmental benefits, estimating the circular economy will play a key role in helping the Territory achieve a $40 billion economy by 2030.

President of the Waste Recycling Industry NT, Mark Sweet, said the grants for recycling equipment and technology “provide significant support for businesses to embrace circular economy practices, including source separation of recyclables, reducing contamination, on-site reuse of recovered materials and ultimately saving money and promoting local job creation through new investment opportunities.”

What and who are the grants for?

Businesses and not-for-profit organisations in the NT can apply for grants up to $20,000 on a co-contribution basis to purchase equipment or technology to reduce their waste and improve recycling outcomes.

Eligible equipment or technology includes those that avoid or prevent waste being generated on site or reuse waste on site and facilitate recycling. This may include cardboard perforators, commercial worm farms or food waste monitoring equipment.

How do I apply?

Prior to applying, businesses must undertake a waste assessment using the Bin Trim App (created by the NSW Environment Protection Authority), which will provide a customised action plan for the business. This will include baseline waste data, low- or no-cost waste recycling opportunities and recommendations to purchase relevant equipment or technology.

Applications close on 30 June 2025 or until funding is exhausted. For further information and to apply visit nt.gov.au/subs

How can I find recycling equipment?

Planet Ark’s Business Recycling program has a catalogue of recycling equipment that businesses can use for free. The Recycling Equipment Catalogue allows businesses to either search by equipment type (e.g. shredders or composters), or by material type (e.g. cardboard or plastic) for a list of relevant equipment that is available.