Veolia, Nottinghamshire County Council's waste and recycling partner, has opened applications for this year's Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund.

The fund is an environmental programme designed to support local, community-based projects that inspire people to think differently about waste and resources.

The funding is open to not-for-profit community groups, schools and charities based in Hucknall and across the county of Nottinghamshire (excluding the city of Nottingham area) and grants of up to £1,000 are available for initiatives that help Nottinghamshire to Reduce, Reuse or Recycle waste.

Funding can be granted for a variety of projects and activities including in-person or online workshops, social media campaigns, practical equipment, education activities or even promotion and awareness raising.

This could be anything from swap shop events and repair workshops to community gardens (that make use of reused, reclaimed, or recycled materials), food growing, food waste reduction initiatives or composting schemes. These projects could take place at home, school, a workplace, online or even at a local event.

In 2022, the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund supported many different local groups including Coddington C of E Primary and Nursery School who developed a new recycling project and needed funding to kickstart their recycling journey. This project was used to educate young minds on how to recycle properly and improve awareness of the environment and climate change.

Lady Bay Community Association Litter Pickers also received funding. This went towards buying new equipment to help them continue their amazing work in keeping the streets of the Lady Bay area clean.

Image courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council.

Another beneficiary was The Rope Project, which supports vulnerable people and families who are allocated unfurnished accommodation after fleeing domestic abuse, homelessness, and other distressing life events. The funding helped them buy second hand electrical goods to provide a comfortable home and living situation.

Funding was also given to The Boot Room Workshop which works to provide sports equipment and clothing to adults and children. The funding went towards donation bins placed in local businesses for people to donate old clothes and equipment, which are then cleaned and made new, reusing materials to benefit the local community.

Steve Newman, General Manager for Veolia Nottinghamshire, said: "In Nottinghamshire we are committed to working with the local community to encourage better ways of reducing waste to help create a better climate. Veolia is committed to tackling climate change and pollution, becoming the benchmark company for ecological transformation.

"By reducing, reusing and recycling waste, we can transform the environment and establish a more sustainable future. The fund strives to help organisations across the region that share this ethos, assisting them in achieving their goals and thriving as a key part of the community."

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "We know that Nottinghamshire residents are eager to make a difference in their communities whilst also protecting the environment. There is already so much taking place at a community level and the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund is a great way to boost this action. If you're a school, community group or charity with an idea to challenge how we think about waste then I encourage you to submit an application."

More information about the scheme as well as application forms can be found by clicking here. Alternatively, application forms can be requested by calling 0203 567 4391.