New GoodBox scheme launches to support Liverpool community groups

A new initiative is launching across Liverpool that’s set to give unwanted items a second life – while helping local community groups, schools and charities get access to much-needed materials.

Resource management company Veolia has teamed up with Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority to roll out The GoodBox – a bright, eye-catching reuse container that will travel between Household Waste Recycling Centres across the region.

The scheme will see residents encouraged to donate items they no longer need, rather than throwing them away, with donations going directly to support local projects.

The GoodBox will first appear at Old Swan Recycling Centre before moving around other sites across the city region. It will stay at each location for one to two months, with a chalkboard on display highlighting which community group is being supported and what items they’re looking for.

That could include anything from arts and crafts supplies for schools, to tools for gardening projects or textiles for community sewing groups.

Community organisations across the Liverpool City Region are now being invited to apply to take part in the scheme, with support coming directly from items donated by the public.

The idea behind the initiative is simple – reuse materials wherever possible. Not only does it help reduce waste, it also cuts down on the need to manufacture new products, which can have a bigger environmental impact.

Even the GoodBox itself is part of that story. The container has been refurbished after being destined for scrap, and brought back to life with paint supplied by Reciprocity Wirral, a social enterprise that redistributes leftover paint.

Paul Cannon, General Manager at Veolia, said the scheme is about making better use of items that would otherwise go to waste.

He said: “We see so many good quality items brought to our Recycling Centres that could easily be reused rather than recycled.

“The GoodBox is a simple way to connect those items directly with the schools, charities and community groups that need them most. It’s about turning things people no longer want into a valuable resource for our communities.”

Chief Executive of MRWA, Lesley Worswick, added: “The GoodBox is a fantastic way to show that one person’s spring clean can be another person’s gold mine.

“By working together, we’re making it easier than ever to keep good-quality materials in circulation.”

The initiative aims to boost reuse across the region while helping grassroots projects access the resources they need to grow.

Community groups interested in taking part can find out more and apply online.

Get the latest news around Liverpool here.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.