Last week Shellharbour City Council received $175,175 from the state government for the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative.

NSW will receive $223 million and have access to a further $134 million in contestable grants, under the government's five-year initiative.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward said the money would go towards community waste education programs, asbestos waste, a garage sale trail, public place avoidance and recycling and improved practices for organics recovery.

"Waste and rubbish are everyone's problem and it is terrific the state government is stepping up on this issue," he said.

Shellharbour councillor Kellie Marsh welcomed the grant and said the region was in need of the funds to improve waste services throughout Shellharbour.

NSW Environment Minister Rob Stokes congratulated the council on their solid work helping to keep rubbish out of landfill and out of the environment.

"These initiatives show just what can be achieved when governments and the community work together for the betterment of our environment and our community," Mr Stokes said.

More information about the $465.7 million program can be found on the EPA website environment .nsw.gov.au/waste.