Recycling and refuse collection is an essential service. It is also beneficial, if not essential, to make links between this household service and projects that benefit the local community, especially the natural environment. In this way, we can raise environmental awareness and reinforce people’s commitment to waste recycling and reduction.
The mission
To give back from recycling to the local community in Doncaster
When we secured Doncaster Council’s new waste and recycling contract in March 2018, SUEZ committed to earmark revenue raised from textiles and electricals for a local environment fund. The aim is to demonstrate the benefits of recycling and reward participation with support for community projects connected to the environment.
Our solution
The SUEZ Doncaster Environment Fund
The proceeds from the sale of textiles and small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) items collected at the kerbside in Doncaster were dedicated to financing the SUEZ Doncaster Environment Fund. Local community groups were invited to apply to this fund to help pay for projects that benefit the environment.
Working closely with the local authority, we agreed the grant criteria and promoted the funding opportunities through the local newspaper, social media, schools and community groups. SUEZ Communities Trust provided advice on evaluating applications.
The results
Over the first 12 months of the contract, 65 tonnes of textiles were collected and 51 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment. This raised £20,000 for the fund.
A total of 35 applications were received and nine grants were awarded. The projects supported ranged from new bins for litter and dog waste in a woodland park to an ‘outdoor classroom’ for a school, including waterproof clothing for children, binoculars, feeders, planting and a wildlife pond.
The awards were announced at a specially organised Environment Forum event. Residents and community group representatives heard presentations on environmental issues and participants made ‘green pledges’ to take action at home to protect the environment.
This initiative, and others like it, support SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
