This funding, a partnership between Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia, aims to fuel grassroots initiatives that foster sustainable habits among local residents.
Earlier this year, the organisations had to bid for the funding for projects including educational workshops for schools, repair hubs, food waste cookery classes and textiles upcycling.
Lesley Worswick, chief executive of MRWA, said: “The Community Fund is instrumental in enabling local groups to become environmental leaders, ultimately contributing to a healthier region. It’s heartening to see a growing appreciation for the value of our natural resources. The inspiring and diverse ideas presented this year made for a tough selection, highlighting the dedication within our communities.
“We wish them all the very best and eagerly await the results of their hard work.”
Project applications had 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.
One project which previously received funding in 2024/25 is the youth-led initiative Feed the Need, supported by Vibe UK, which have been running food waste reduction and educational programmes for young people.
‘Embedding generational change’
Helen McGorrin, area manager of Vibe UK, said: “The funding helped us to run peer led workshops, create an educational video and challenge book and strengthened relationships in the community.
“We rescued and redistributed food and shared resources including shopping lists, meal planning sheets and reusable containers as physical ways to support people to make improvements by careful planning to reduce overspending/shopping and utilising leftovers. This is really embedding generational change in young people that will stay with them for many years beyond the project.”
The 12 2025/26 Zero Waste Community Fund organisations have got until March 2026 to deliver their projects.
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