Deadline approaching for organisations to apply for Zero Waste Community Fund

Community organisations across the Liverpool City Region are urged to seize the opportunity to access funding aimed at fostering a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

With the deadline fast approaching, groups are encouraged to apply for a share of £165,000 through the Zero Waste Community Fund 2024/25.

Administered by the Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA), this funding is earmarked for community and voluntary groups, schools, and not-for-profit organisations dedicated to reducing household waste, promoting recycling and resource reuse, and mitigating carbon emissions.

The deadline for applications is set for Sunday, March 10, 2024. Projects covering a minimum of four City Region districts are eligible for up to £30,000 in funding, while those focused solely on one local authority level can receive between £1,000 and £8,000.

Chairperson of Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA), Councillor Catie Page, said:

“Giving groups the opportunity to get involved in looking after their environment brings benefits to all and can help us appreciate items as valuable resources rather than something which otherwise might be just thrown away.”

Projects submitted for funding must address one or more of the five priority household waste materials identified by MRWA: WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment), Food, Textiles, Plastics, and Furniture. These materials were highlighted in waste analysis as having significant potential for reuse or recycling.

Past recipients of Community Fund support have undertaken diverse initiatives, including the development of local recycling guidebooks, cookery clubs promoting healthy eating and food waste reduction, fruit and veg gleaning, furniture restoration for charity sales, and refurbishing unwanted rugs for resale.

Successful projects are expected to receive funding by mid-April 2024 and must implement their schemes by March 2025.

For more information or to apply, organisations can visit www.merseysidewda.gov.uk or contact the Authority at Community.fund@merseysidewda.gov.uk.

Deadline for Submission of Applications: Sunday, March 10th, 2024, 11.59pm.

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