The pioneering community-based kerbside recycling business went into receivership last Thursday after running into financial difficulties (see letsrecycle.com story).
Avon Friends of the Earth ran kerbside services for 400,000 households in Bristol and the surrounding area, and was described as having a turnover of about 6 million.
The demise of the group represents a body blow to the community sector in its attempts to compete with Direct Service Organisations and the private sector in providing kerbside recycling services for local authorities.
In a statement, CRN chair Mick Croxford said: “The CRN and myself, as chair of the CRN executive, were very sad that Avon Friends of the Earth has gone into receivership following financial difficulties.”
However, responding to the development, the CRN said it was pleased that ECT Recycling had stepped in to take on some of Avon FoE's contracts, and that no jobs were threatened.
Mr Croxford said: “It is unfortunate that Avon Friends of the Earth has not been able to survive the sort of financial losses that any business is liable to face from time to time. The intervention of ECT, though, shows the strength of the community sector.”
The CRN chair added: “CRN is glad that ECT's involvement will ensure no jobs will be lost and the current recycling services will continue to exemplify the not-for-profit values for which the community sector is well-known.”
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