Thousands of pounds have been awarded across six green initiatives in Kirklees in a bid to boost sustainability.
Launched in April 2024, Kirklees Council’s Zero Waste Community Grant scheme aims to support groups to reduce waste by providing funding for implementing their green initiatives.
The £5,000 grant was open to Kirklees community groups, voluntary organisations, registered charities, community interest companies, and small businesses located in, and serving, Kirklees communities.
Eligible local organisations could apply for up to £1,000 and had to demonstrate that their ideas would have a positive outcome in line with the council’s zero waste strategy.
Six organisations were successful and have explained how they will be using their funding. The impact of these initiatives will be measured and evaluated over the next twelve months.
St Stephen’s Church Lindley will provide a community recycling scheme for medicinal blister packs and unusual plastics and a collection tub for textiles, shoes, and sports items for the Christian African Relief Trust.
Rainbow Baby Bank will purchase of a PAT tester to enable the safety testing and reuse of donated electrical items.
Thread Republic will run an upcycling competition for professional makers and design students as part of Sustainable Fashion Week in September 2024.
Parents, Teachers and Friends Association, Slaithwaite Neilds Academy will introduce a project to compost all the school’s food waste.
LS2Y Community Services (The Chestnut Centre, Deighton) will improve internal systems for recycling and waste reduction, and to host clothing repair workshops for the local community.
River Holme Connections will fund the recycling of approximately 7,000 plastic tree guards and 3,600 hedge guards.
Councillor Munir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways said: “The Zero Waste Grant initiative is a small but important step toward creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Kirklees.
“I’m thrilled that the winning participants can turn their ideas into reality, increase recycling, and join us in our journey to Net Zero 2038.”
Samantha Cottam, Rainbow Baby Bank said: “We’re delighted with the funding from Kirklees Council and excited for the impact it will have. In the past, we have had to dispose of donated electrical items, but now, with the PAT testing device we can re-donate the safe and useable devices, or sell them in our charity shop, so there is less landfill waste, and our users benefit from usable electrical goods – it’s a win, win!”
