Community groups have been awarded a share of a £165,000 fund to help residents reduce, reuse and recycle more.
The money has come from the Zero Waste Community Fund 2024/25, which supports local waste prevention, reuse and recycling initiatives. The Fund is arranged by Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia.
Centre 63 in Kirkby is among the local groups to benefit from funding. The centre will provide pantry use and food waste prevention training, as well as composting and growing food.
They will also set up a sustainable shopping ‘Zero Waste’ lifestyle store, offering loose dry goods, organic options and plastic-free groceries on a not-for-profit basis. Monthly cooking sessions will be provided on how to eat healthily on a budget. Clothing swaps and upcycling/furniture restoration will also be organised.
Earlier this year organisations across the Liverpool City Region were invited to bid for the funding to give them the financial support to deliver waste-reducing behavioural change projects across the region.
Programmes receiving funding include schools waste workshops, a repair cafe, cookery lessons to reduce food waste, clothes and textiles upcycling, a children’s toy lending library, restoration of unwanted furniture, food growing and community composting, amongst other things.
Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA), Lesley Worswick, said: “The Community Fund helps groups to become environmental stewards, creating a healthier place for everyone. Thankfully, our society is increasingly recognising the value in resources – they’re not just disposable items.
“The impressive ideas this year from local organisations are truly inspiring, and with 56 applications, the selection process was tough. Many past projects funded by the Community Fund have lasting benefits. They not only leave a positive legacy, but also continue to influence participants’ habits through ongoing activities.
“I wish all projects the best and look forward to seeing the impact they have.”
Project applications were asked to tackle one or more of the five priority household waste materials which have been identified by MRWA as key, namely Food, Furniture, Electricals, Plastics and Textiles. An analysis of waste in the Liverpool City Region highlighted that a greater amount of these materials could be reused or recycled.
The successful organisations have until March 2025 to deliver their projects.
Picture shows a Waste Warriors cooking session by the British Dietetic Association