Could your organisation qualify for a waste prevention grant fund?

Community groups and organisations across Hampshire have been able to launch and expand successful schemes to help reduce waste at home, thanks to the first wave of grants awarded from Hampshire County Council’s waste prevention fund.

Councillor Rob Humby, Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment at the County Council, said: “We’re always looking for new ways to reduce household waste. As well as the environmental impacts, dealing with household waste is a significant cost for local councils so it’s important we do all we can to help and encourage people to waste less.

“The aim of this fund, launched in May, is to help people to take action before a product is considered for recycling or disposal. We will accept applications for funding until all the £65,000 grant has been allocated. We have been very impressed with the range of, and innovation within the applications we’ve received so far, which has been exceedingly high. I would encourage any interested groups and organisations to get in touch at the earliest opportunity.”

Among the projects to be funded across Hampshire are:
•           A workshop for pupils to learn repair and upcycling skills (Sun Hill School, Alresford);
•           A platform for buying and selling bundles of second-hand children’s clothes and equipment (Bundely in Havant);
•           A scheme to reuse/repair/launder and redistribute school uniforms (Jacobs Well Care Centre in Gosport);
•           A ‘click & collect’ service to complement their zero-waste food and household goods shop (Lemon and Jinja in Romsey);
•           A regular programme of clothes swap events to promote textile reuse (Care and Relief for the Young – CRY – in Eastleigh).

Local organisations can still apply for up to £5,000 of grant funding to support the delivery of projects, products and services which prevent or significantly reduce household waste and/or encourage reuse. This is the second year that the grant has been available, and it will be open until all the funding is allocated.

Interested groups are encouraged to discuss potential projects with the County Council’s Waste Prevention Team prior to applying. Please email the team at [email protected] to arrange an informal discussion.

For full eligibility criteria and more information on the grant fund, including how to apply and videos of some of last year’s successful projects, visit:  www.hants.gov.uk/waste-prevention-community

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