What is The GoodBox?
- A free reuse initiative supporting local community projects
- Providing resources by matching unwanted materials from Household Waste Recycling Centres
The GoodBox is a reuse initiative that helps local community projects get the resources they need by giving unwanted materials from the Household Waste Recycling Centres a second life.
A large, clearly-marked reuse container that travels around Household Waste Recycling Centres across the Liverpool City Region - collecting specific items requested by a chosen community group, school or charity.
When your organisation adopts The GoodBox, your requested items or “wish list” is displayed on its chalkboard - so local residents can donate directly towards your project when they visit the site.
Example: what an adoption looks like
For one month, a community group adopts The GoodBox at a Recycling Centre. They request items like hand trowels, spades, plant pots and storage tubs. Those items are written on the chalkboard shown on The GoodBox. Over the month, residents donate the listed items when they visit the site. When the box is full, the group is notified to arrange to collect their donated items for their project.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply to adopt The GoodBox if your organisation or project is one of the following:
> Registered charity
> Community group / not-for-profit organisation
> School / college / educational setting
> Social enterprise with a clear community benefit
Your project must be based in and benefit communities in the Liverpool City Region.
What you can apply for
We can't guarantee every item on your list will be donated - it depends on what residents bring in - but we'll help you build a realistic “wish list” that gives your project the best chance of success. You can apply for items that will support a specific community project or activity - for example:
- Tools and equipment for community gardening
- Craft and art materials
- Practical DIY items and materials (non-hazardous)
- Storage and organisers
How it works
1. Apply to adopt The GoodBox
Complete an online application form to tell us more about your organisation, your project, and a clear list of items you need. You can review the FAQ section on this page to help.
2. We select an adopter
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year. We select approximately one adopter per month and will notify all applicants of the outcome of their application. If you are successful, we'll get in touch to confirm your month, Recycling Centre location and item list.
3. Your collection begins
The GoodBox goes to the selected Recycling Centre, with a chalkboard to display the items you're looking for. The GoodBox stays at the Recycling Centre for your agreed timeframe, up to two months. Our staff will update you on progress and contact you if the box if full or maximum reached.
4. You collect your items
Once full, we'll arrange a collection date with you. In some cases, you may be able to clear the container and collect a second time within your allocated timefame. You then take your items back to your project to reuse.
Why work together with us?
Reduce & Reuse
Keeping materials in use for longer and reducing the demand for new ones - good for our project, good for the planet.
Support Your Community
Get tools and materials your project needs, donated by local residents who want to make a difference.
Free & Easy to Apply
No fundraising, no budget needed. Just tell us what you need - and let your community do the rest.
Does it cost anything to apply?
No. It's open to all eligible projects and organisations in Liverpool City Region.
Can individuals apply?
The scheme is for community organisations, schools and charities.
How long does the application process take?
We review applications on a rolling basis. We'll aim to respond to all applicants within 4 weeks. Successful applicants will be given at least 2 weeks notice before their adoption period begins.
Can we choose which Recycling Centre The GoodBox is located at?
You can express a preference, but the final location will be confirmed by Veolia based on operational scheduling.
The GoodBox can be located at the following sites, but projects from all areas of the Liverpool City Region can apply: (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral)
- Huyton Recycling Centre, Wilson Road, Huyton, L36 6AD
- Kirkby Recycling Centre, Depot Road, Knowsley Industrial Park, L33 3AR
- Old Swan Recycling Centre, Cheadle Avenue, Liverpool, L13 3AF
- Ravenhead Recycling Centre, Burtonhead Road, St Helens, WA9 5EA
- Sefton Meadows Recycling Centre, Sefton Lane, Maghull, L31 8BT
Are there items you don’t accept requests for?
For the safety of residents, site staff and volunteers, the following items cannot be accepted into The GoodBox under any circumstances:
- Anything hazardous or containing chemicals (e.g., paints, solvents, fuels)
- Electrical items, anything with a plug or battery
- Gas bottles / pressurised containers
- Medicines, sharps or clinical waste
- Safety equipment e.g. Baby seats, crash/bike helmets
- Food and drink
- Large bulky items (e.g. furniture, white goods)
Can we request a wide range of items?
The most successful adoptions focus on a clear, manageable list, there is a limit of requesting no more than 5 specific items or materials.
Will we receive everything on our list?
Donations depend on what residents bring in, but we’ll do our best to help you refine your request to maximise success.
Can you deliver?
No, you will need to collect and transport the items yourself.
What happens if The GoodBox doesn't fill up?
You're still welcome to collect whatever has been donated at the end of your timeframe. We'll be in touch to arrange this.
What happens if The GoodBox fills up before the end of our adoption period?
Our site staff will monitor the number of items in the box, you can tell us if you have a maximum number of items if applicable in your application. Once full or the maximum is reached, we’ll close the doors and stop accepting any further donations, you’ll be contacted to make a collection.
Apply today and help to support reuse and build a sustainable future together
Before You Apply
We look for applications that show clear community benefit, a realistic “wishlist” and a plan for how items will be used.
If selected, you'll need to:
> Collect items yourself during agreed times
> Arrange your own transport from the Recycling Centre
> Complete a simple form when collecting to count number and type of items
> Use items for your stated project
> Share a short update and photos so we can celebrate your impact
