The network aims to bring together community and voluntary groups with Cambridgeshire councils, Anglia Polytechnic University (APU) and other organisations involved in reuse and recycling.
Among the 40 diverse groups involved in the network are Food Bank, Cambridge SOFA, Compass IT from Peterborough, charity shops, the chamber of commerce and Cambridge University Green Network.
Mark Shelton, recycling manager for Cambridgeshire county council, said: “We have been delighted by the enthusiastic response from the community sector. I am pleased that we are able to recognise the contribution the community and voluntary sector make to reuse and recycling and that we now have the funds to help them build on these excellent projects already in place in Cambridgeshire. I'm sure that the network will be a great success for all involved.”
The network is part of APU's work funded by the European Social Fund to develop social enterprises and encourage community reuse and recycling businesses in Cambridgeshire and Essex. Lewis Herbert, APU's WasteWISE (Working In Social Enterprises) spokesperson, said: “There is a huge range of opportunities for community groups and charities in reuse and recycling. We want to help people expand into these to make enough money out of things people throw away, to become self sufficient and no longer rely on grants.”
Funding for the network also comes from the Landfill Tax Legacy Fund via Donarbon, a Cambridgeshire waste company, and from DEFRA's National Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund.
Kay Barnes has been appointed network co-ordinator. Previously, she worked in waste management in both Cambridge and Cambridgeshire councils and more recently she has been working for Waste Recycling Environmental (WREN), Waste Recycling Group's Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. Among her responsibilities will be to assist community groups start new projects and secure funds from the 35 million New Opportunities Community Recycling Fund.
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