Waste Aware Business - Funding Support Scheme Launched For Recycling Service Providers article

Funding Support Scheme Launched For Recycling Service Providers A new Funding Support Scheme has been launched by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) aimed at helping new and existing recycling service providers develop and expand services, primarily with the aim of enabling more Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to recycle. Recycling service providers, including local authorities, are being invited to apply for funding of up to £67,000 (equivalent to €100,000)1 to develop and expand their service to SMEs for projects of between three and 12 months. Projects eligible for funding could include a combination of activities such as 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 customers2. Successful applicants will also be expected to match 50 per cent of the total project costs in cash and/or in kind. Applications to the Funding Support Scheme can be made from 23rd October 2007 - via a downloadable Funding Support Scheme application form at www.wrap.org.uk/smefunding. Initially applications will be accepted up to the start of the new financial year (April 2008), subject to availability of funds. An SME recruitment and collection target will be agreed for each successful application and funding will be available to support a range of activities and elements relating to the development and provision of recycling services to SMEs. The Funding Support Scheme is part of WRAP's SME Recycling Programme, which aims to increase and improve recycling services for SMEs in the UK. As part of this a number of trial recycling schemes have been successfully undertaken to identify the most appropriate services for SMEs and good practice guidance has been developed that recycling service providers being supported by the Funding Support Scheme will be required to follow. 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 generate3 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." 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. For further information on the Funding Support Scheme and information sessions please visit www.wrap.org.uk/smefunding.


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