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Nottinghamshire community groups, schools and charities are invited to apply for a share of funding for initiatives that focus on waste reduction, reuse or recycling.

Nottinghamshire County Council and Veolia’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund aims to support local, community-based projects that encourage individuals to adopt a new perspective on waste and resources.

Grants of up to £1,000 are available for a variety of projects and initiatives throughout Nottinghamshire (excluding the city of Nottingham area). This could include practical equipment, in-person or online workshops, social media campaigns, education activities or promotion and awareness raising.

The fund, now in its fifteenth year, has previously supported a diverse range of projects and activities, including swap shop events, repair workshops, community gardens utilising reused, reclaimed or recycled materials, food waste reduction initiatives and composting schemes.

One recipient in 2024 was Portland College, an independent specialist college, residential care provider and Centre of Excellence for Autism, dedicated to providing a lifetime of opportunity for individuals with disabilities. Its education and care programmes focus on three key areas: independence, health and wellbeing, and employability. To improve recycling practices, the learners wanted to set up a Recycling Hub for the college which would house main recycling bins. They used £928 in funding to purchase specific bins for different materials, in a central area that’s accessible to learners and the general public.

Another successful recipient was Remedi in Mansfield, who received £1,000 to purchase items for its upcycling project. Remedi works with children in the youth justice system, who need to give back to their community as part of their order. The project upcycled old furniture and donated it to care homes, local community projects, and refuges. The project benefitted the community whilst teaching the children how recycling and reuse can work in practice, while giving them skills for the future.

Steve Newman, General Manager for Veolia Nottinghamshire, said: “Through the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund, we are excited to support local community groups to drive change in waste reduction and make a positive impact on their community. 

“We believe that by supporting sustainable initiatives, we can ignite a shift in mindset towards mindful consumption, adopt a new perspective on waste and pave the way for a more sustainable future in Nottinghamshire.”

Derek Higton, Executive Director of Place at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “It's clear that Nottinghamshire residents are passionate about making a positive impact in their local communities while also protecting the environment. We are delighted to be running the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund again this year as it is a great way to support local groups with their efforts. If you are a school, community group, or charity with an innovative idea to challenge how we think about waste then I encourage you to apply. Projects that can help increase everyone’s desire to cut waste will be a benefit to us all.”

Properly constituted and non-for-profit organisations such as schools, charities and community groups are eligible to apply for up to £1,000. The fund can be used for a wide range of projects and campaigns, whether needed for equipment, educational materials, the running of workshops and more. The council and Veolia are looking for innovative and creative ways to promote reducing, reusing and recycling, to inspire the community and generate change in Nottinghamshire!

Applications for the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund can be made online at www.nottinghamshire.veolia.co.uk/reduce-reuse-recycling-fund or application forms can be requested by calling 0203 567 4391. The closing date for applications is 4 July 2025.

Residents and community groups in Nottinghamshire are encouraged to seize this opportunity to contribute to waste reduction efforts and create a more sustainable future for their local communities.