An investment of £165,000 from the Zero Waste Community Fund 2025/26 will enable twelve community groups in the Liverpool City Region to spearhead efforts in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.
This funding, a partnership between Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia, will fuel grassroots initiatives designed to foster sustainable habits among local residents.
Earlier this year the organisations had to bid for the funding which will give them the financial support to deliver waste-reducing behavioural change projects across the region. The successful projects encompass diverse activities like educational workshops for schools, electrical repair hubs, food waste reduction cookery classes, clothes and textile upcycling, furniture restoration, and community food growing and composting schemes.
Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of MRWA, praised the initiative, saying: "The Community Fund is instrumental in enabling local groups to become environmental leaders, ultimately contributing to a healthier region. It's heartening to see a growing appreciation for the value of our natural resources. The inspiring and diverse ideas presented this year made for a tough selection, highlighting the dedication within our communities. We know these projects have the potential to create lasting change and embed positive habits.
We wish them all the very best and eagerly await the results of their hard work.
Project applications had to tackle one or more of the five priority household waste materials which have been identified by MRWA as key, namely Food, Furniture, Electricals, Plastics and Textiles. An analysis* of waste in the Liverpool City Region highlighted that a greater amount of these materials could be reused or recycled.
One project which previously received funding in 2024/25 is the youth-led initiative Feed the Need, supported by Vibe UK, who have been running food waste reduction and educational programmes for young people thanks to the Community Fund.
Helen McGorrin, Area Manager of Vibe UK, said: “We were honoured to support our young people from St Helens Youth Council to lead
on this project, using the Community Fund to give young people the knowledge, tools and confidence to make informed decisions when it comes to reducing their food waste. The project has helped young people better understand the role they play and how they can support their families and the wider community to reduce food waste.
The twelve successful 2025/26 Zero Waste Community Fund organisations have got until March 2026 to deliver their projects.
For more information visit: Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority