Funding for local projects making waste recovery easier & more social

Published on 12 September 2025

Three exciting projects have received grants from this year’s Resource Recovery Fund, which empowers local groups and organisations in Palmerston North to take a more active role in minimising waste.

Council's acting manager of resource recovery, Natasha Hickmott, says the fund continues to support new ideas.

“These projects show that waste reduction doesn’t just happen at the kerbside – it’s happening in workshops, factories, community halls and event spaces around the city. We’re proud to back these initiatives tackling waste in different ways.”

Precycle NZ returns as a successful applicant with their new initiative – piloting a dishwashing truck at community events. This project will trial how the Council's new dishwashing trailer can be efficiently deployed at local events to reduce single-use waste. The pilot aims to explore how best to operate and manage the mobile dishwashing unit, with a focus on feasibility, accessibility, and waste diversion outcomes.

“This project is in line with our new waste management and minimisation plan and bylaw. One of our goals is to reduce the environmental footprint of big events in our city.”

Organic Packaging Supplies has been trying out ways to turn old cardboard from local businesses into trays for eggs. Thanks to the grant they received, they’ve been able to trial and experiment with new blades to help break down the cardboard better and turn it into pulp more easily.

Rounding out this year’s recipients is the Butterfly Compassion Society, whose Winter Wellness Programme is set to expand thanks to the fund. This charitable initiative collects and redistributes preloved clothing, bedding, toys, and other donated goods to individuals and families in need. The funding will support an expansion of their workspace, enabling them to accept and repurpose even more items that might otherwise go to landfill.  

The Resource Recovery Fund is part of Council’s wider efforts to support a circular economy – one where materials are reused, repurposed, and kept in use for as long as possible.

Learn more about the fund or how to apply in future rounds