Annual Report 2010-11 - Zero Waste SA - SA.Gov.au

Waste Avoidance
31
Consumption and waste avoidance incentives
Avoidance of waste is the ultimate waste challenge, at the very top of the waste
hierarchy. The Waste Strategy 2011–2015 identifies the need to promote innovation in
projects that demonstrate effective ways to avoid waste, reach a larger number of people,
and help to guide social change towards models of sustainable consumption.
The consumption and waste avoidance incentives program aims to provide support to
initiatives that:
> are unique or innovative in South Australia
> need seed or kick-start funding
> need funding for an element essential to the initiative’s success
> operate at the ‘avoidance’, ‘reduction’ or ‘reuse’ levels of the hierarchy
> can demonstrate measurable outcomes and return on investment
> are based on a model that has been proven successful elsewhere
> deliver multiple benefits in addition to reduced consumption and improved resource
(social, economic or environmental)
> are consistent with Government policy directions including targets for reduction of
waste to landfill and the Waste Strategy 2011–2015
> can be implemented and reported within 18 months of initiation.
In 2010–11, funding of $90,000 was provided under this program to two projects.
OzHarvest ($60,000)
OzHarvest is a non-denominational, not-for-profit organisation that rescues unwanted
food from a range of commercial and industrial premises, including restaurants, retailers,
food outlets and corporate kitchens, and delivers it to communities at risk. OzHarvest
operates in Sydney, Canberra, Wollongong and now Adelaide.
In August 2010, Zero Waste SA engaged Hyder to undertake life-cycle research into the
environmental benefits of rescuing un-sold food in Adelaide. The report highlighted the
potential environmental benefits of OzHarvest’s food rescue program which identified
potential environmental savings in greenhouse gas emissions, water and landfill disposal.