Transferring and closed programs
In response to the Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service led by Helen Silver AO, the Victorian Government has determined that Sustainability Victoria will be abolished on 30 June 2026.
As we wind down after two decades of action, we’re farewelling teams and providing information about which initiatives will continue.
Please note that staff from closed programs have now left Sustainability Victoria. Enquiries can be directed to SV's customer service team:
- In Victoria: 1300 363 744
- Outside Victoria: +61 3 8626 8700
- Email: info@sustainability.vic.gov.au
Our customer service team has responded to thousands of the community’s most complicated sustainability enquiries for more than 20 years. SV’s customer service channels will remain open until 30 June 2026.
Programs that are transferring
These programs will continue at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
Detox Your Home
Detox Your Home provides Victorians with a safe way to dispose of hazardous household chemicals.
The program hosts free collection events, delivered in partnership with local councils across Victoria, to help reduce risks to human health and the environment.
Register to receive updates about future events.
FirstRate5
Since launching in 2006, FirstRate5 has been used by builders and designers to generate energy ratings for homes, calculating heating and cooling requirements for new builds and renovations.
FirstRate5 will continue to operate within DEECA’s Energy Group.
Industry and Infrastructure
Across more than 400 projects, SV’s industry and infrastructure work has seen over $93 million invested to increase the state’s recycling capacity and keep valuable resources in circulation.
This included upgrades that raised Victoria’s cardboard recycling capacity by 40 per cent, and support for one of Australia’s largest PET recycling facilities – capable of processing up to 1 billion plastic bottles each year.
Some components of the Industry and Infrastructure program will be transferred to DEECA to administer active funding agreements. For example, administration of grants under the Recycling Modernisation Fund will be transferred to DEECA.
Program information and grant applications will remain available while rounds are active and for the duration of funding obligations.
Investment Facilitation
This service supports businesses to invest in Victoria’s circular economy by providing advice and project development support.
Working across government and industry, the service connects investors with opportunities and partners to help bring circular economy projects to life.
This program will continue at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
Markets Acceleration
The Markets Acceleration program transformed waste into useful products at scale – turning old tyres into speed humps and food scraps into compost.
By supporting innovation and commercialisation, the program helped funnel recycled materials into major infrastructure projects and everyday products.
Administration of grants under the Market Accelerator Fund will be transferred to DEECA.
ResourceSmart Schools
ResourceSmart Schools is a free program that supports schools to embed sustainability across their curriculum and community.
Through a structured framework, schools track their progress and work towards 5 Star certification while reducing emissions and building student capability.
Sign up to the RSS newsletter to be kept up to date as the program transfers.
Behaviour change campaigns
Since launching the historic Black Balloons campaign in 2006, Sustainability Victoria has supported practical action and built long-term stewardship for Victoria's environment.
From Victoria’s e-waste landfill ban to the introduction of kerbside organics bins, the campaigns team has helped Victorians adopt more sustainable behaviours.
Visit the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) website and social media channels for future initiatives, including the Small Acts, Big Impact campaign.
Small Acts, Big Impact campaign materials will remain available for councils and stakeholders to download.
Programs that have closed
Buy Circular
The Buy Circular Service supported councils to incorporate recycled materials into local projects. From roads and footpaths to parks and gardens – the program helped embed circular procurement through practical tools, supplier connections and expert support.
Buy Circular’s online directory included more than 100 suppliers of recycled products and was supported by a network of 87 council champions.
The program turned purchasing power into real-world demand for circular products, driving progress for Victoria’s circular economy.
Elements of this program may continue within other Victorian Government departments. Any further updates will be published on the Sustainability Victoria website.
Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre
Since opening in 2020, the Circular Economy Business Innovation Centre (CEBIC) delivered funding, partnerships and advisory panels to support Victorian businesses to turn their circular ideas into commercial opportunities.
From transforming food waste to finding smarter ways to keep materials out of landfill, across more than 50 projects, CEBIC helped avoid over 170,000 tonnes of waste, cut 260,000 tonnes of emissions, created 220 jobs and launched 140 new circular products and services – helping position Victoria as a leader in the circular economy.
Learning Portal
Sustainability Victoria’s Learning Portal helped build the capability needed for Victoria’s transition to a circular economy – equipping learners across government, business and the community with the skills to turn circular ideas into action.
More than 400 learners participated in the four courses on circularity, helping build the momentum needed to drive lasting change.
Elements of this program may continue within other Victorian Government departments.
Major Events and Tourism
The Major Events and Tourism program connected stakeholders with shared challenges, helping them to explore scalable reuse systems and hosting the first roundtable on reusables in Victoria.
The program helped events like the Australian Open embrace circular practices to reduce waste and make the industry more sustainable.
Regional Engagement
The Regional Engagement team helped turn circular ideas into local action across Victoria.
From hosting workshops for regional communities to supporting circular economy projects, the team connected stakeholders to turn great ideas into infrastructure, jobs and long-term change across Victoria.
SV Hub space hire service
The SV Hub space hire service brought together sustainable organisations and individuals, sparking partnerships and nurturing innovation for almost 400 customers.
SV Lab
SV Lab helped shape the decisions needed for Victoria’s transition to a circular economy – bringing together policy, research and behaviour change expertise to tackle issues like climate change and circular jobs.
The lab spotted emerging issues, producing a body of trusted research that supported decision-making across government, industry and the community.
We encourage stakeholders to download SV Lab resources from our website while they remain accessible.
After 30 June 2026:
- Parts 1 and 2 of the Circular Jobs and Skills Report will be transferred to the Victorian Skills Authority and all enquiries should be directed to vsa.enquiries@ecodev.vic.gov.au