The Waste and Resources Action Programme has launched a funding competition in which recycling providers can apply for up to £67,000 to develop and expand their services for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The scheme is part of WRAP's SME Recycling Programme and comes a week before new regulations which require all waste to be pre-treated before it is sent to landfill come into force (see letsrecycle.com story).
Projects eligible for funding could include taking on extra staff to expand collection rounds, funding sales and marketing activity to sell the service to more businesses, or providing additional collection sacks and bins to reach more customers.
Successful applicants will also be expected to match 50% of the total project costs in cash and/or in kind.
Target
An SME recruitment and collection target will be agreed for each successful application and successful applicants will be required to follow good practice guidance, drawn up through trials to identify the most appropriate services for SMEs.
Applications to the Funding Support Scheme can be made from 23rd October 2007 via a downloadable Funding Support Scheme application form at the WRAP website.
Initially applications will be accepted up to the start of the new financial year (April 2008), subject to availability of funds.
Liz Morrish, WRAP's SME Recycling Programme Manager, said: “Research has shown that many SMEs currently find it difficult to access appropriate recycling services for the waste materials they generate and the result is that much of their waste goes to landfill. The Funding Support Scheme aims to encourage more recycling service providers to develop their services to meet the needs of SMEs, most of which are keen to recycle.
“We are encouraging service providers to apply early to the scheme to ensure that their application forms are in as soon as possible and avoid disappointment,” she added.
A series of information sessions is taking place throughout the UK in October where representatives from WRAP will be on hand to discuss ideas for funding opportunities on a one-to-one basis with potential applicants.
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