Six projects ranging from a bike reuse scheme to a furniture restoration initiative were yesterday (January 18) named as recipients of a share of the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority's (GMWDA) £60,000 Community Waste Reduction Fund.
It was launched in September 2010, with the aim of supporting “much-needed” waste prevention and recycling initiatives that demonstrate a lasting community benefit.
After what the GMWDA describes as an “overwhelming” response from the community and voluntary sector, the Authority chose six projects which it said stood out as examples of best practice.
The projects are:
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EMERGE – Manchester-based not-for-profit organisation which has received funding for a community recycling project which aims to create community champions to spread the ‘zero waste' message;
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Monton Village Community Association – the community group has received funding for its recycling and waste prevention activities which also aim to provide employment and volunteering opportunities;
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PEARLS Community Scrap Store – the Rochdale cooperative has secured funding for one full time post to contribute to its work, collecting interesting objects from business and industry and redistributing them for children's play and education;
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Rebuild -the funding will allow the Bury-based furniture reuse group to run a six month pilot scheme extending its collection service and raising reuse awareness in the community;
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The Nationwide Cycling Academy – has guaranteed funding to start a project that will increase the number of bikes reuse;
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Wesley Community Furniture – the Manchester furniture reuse group has received money to set up a workshop pilot to deconstruct and restore pre-loved furniture.
While the GMWDA has not revealed the amount each project will receive, applicants to the fund were able to seek up to £15,000 of support.
Commitment
Commenting on the qualities of the organisation chosen for funding, the chair of the GMWDA, councillor Neil Swannick, said: “Each organisation demonstrated clearly its commitment to reducing waste and the funding will hopefully help them go that extra mile to do so.
“Supporting the community and voluntary sector in this way is another step towards our aim of zero waste to landfill, which is not only important for the environment, but it will also save Council Tax payers money each year in Landfill Tax.”
The chair of the Community Waste Fund Panel, councillor Rosemary Jones, added: “There were so many worthy ideas submitted and it was wonderful to see such motivated community groups, who are dedicated to helping the environment and local people. It is a pleasure to support them.”
The fund includes a £10,000 donation from the John Laing Charitable Trust. John Laing is part of the consortium, alongside waste company Viridor, which signed the GMWDA's £4 billion, 25-year waste PFI contract in April 2009.
The scheme is also supported by the Community Recycling Network North West.
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