Reuse and reinvest: SUEZ community fund opens for 2025
SUEZ recycling and recovery UK has launched the Aberdeen Reuse Community Fund for 2025 following a successful first year that supported around 12,814 people across the city.
The £5,000 fund—generated entirely from sales at the Reuse Shop at Hazlehead household waste recycling centre (HWRC)—was distributed to ten local groups in 2024, each receiving £500 to deliver community-led environmental or wellbeing projects.
The Reuse Shop, which opened in July 2022 with funding from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund, is run by SUEZ as part of its waste and recycling contract with Aberdeen City Council. By giving a second life to quality household and garden items, the shop has now diverted just under 38,000 items from going to waste in 2024—while also giving back to local communities through the community fund.
Colin Forshaw, Production Operations Manager at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: "The Aberdeen Reuse Community Fund is a fantastic example of the circular economy in action. Not only are we reducing waste and offering affordable items to residents, we’re directly reinvesting in the people of Aberdeen. We’re excited to launch the 2025 round and continue supporting projects that make a lasting difference."
Among last year’s recipients were projects focused on youth engagement, food growing, and beach pollution.
Carolyn and Miles Davies, volunteers at the Mounthooly Forest Garden, said: "We’re really pleased to be involved in the food forest at the Mounthooly Roundabout—an exciting transformation of green space where fresh food will grow, and community connections are being made. Seeing our grandson’s excitement as he explores, learns, and helps plant trees fills us with hope for a greener, healthier future for all."
The Inchgarth Community Centre used its grant to deliver inclusive youth club activities. "Children gained confidence and new friends. The fun the young people had is evidence that your investment hit the spot, made a difference, and reached those who need us the most," the centre said.
Meanwhile, Fittie Community Development Trust created a beach clean-up station near their local swimming spot: "This project has helped improve our beach for the Fittie Community, tourists, and marine life. We engaged with the whole community —from surfers to schoolchildren—and created a system to keep the beach cleaner all year round.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader, Councillor Ian Yuill said: "The Reuse Shop at Hazlehead Recycling Centre has gone from strength to strength, breathing new life into unwanted household items. I look forward to seeing how this year’s community fund projects build on last year’s successes."
Applications for the 2025 fund are now open. Not-for-profits, charities, and schools can apply via the ActionFunder platform by Friday 01 August 2025.
Projects will be reviewed and selected by a panel of SUEZ representatives.
For further information and to apply, visit here.