Liverpool community groups offered £165,000 for waste reduction projects
Community and voluntary organisations across Liverpool City Region can access grants up to £30,000 to develop innovative waste reduction solutions, as recycling rates remain among lowest in UK
The Zero Waste Community Fund 2025/26, managed in partnership with the UK’s biggest waste company Veolia, comes at a time when Liverpool has the lowest recycling rate among major UK cities at 17.9 per cent in 2022-23. This positions the city as the second-lowest performing authority for recycling in England, highlighting the need for community engagement in waste reduction efforts.
"We deeply value our partnerships with the region's dedicated community groups," said Councillor Catie Page, Chairperson of MRWA. "They are the heart of our communities, actively working to create a positive environmental impact."
Waste reduction in Liverpool targeting specific materials
The fund specifically targets five priority household waste streams identified through regional waste analysis: waste electrical and electronic equipment, food, textiles, plastics, and furniture. These were highlighted in MRWA's 2021/22 Waste Composition Analysis as having significant potential for increased recycling and reuse.
Organisations can apply for up to £30,000 for projects spanning four or more districts, while local initiatives focused on single authority areas can receive between £1,000 and £8,000. The funding structure aims to encourage both broad regional impact and targeted local solutions.
Building on past successes
The Zero Waste Community Fund, which has been running annually since 2006, has already made a measurable difference in the region. The 2022/23 programme supported 13 projects that prevented 467 tonnes of waste and engaged over 16,000 residents through 731 events and training sessions.
Previous successful initiatives have included local recycling guidebooks, lending libraries, repair cafes, cookery clubs to reduce food waste, and furniture restoration projects. These diverse approaches demonstrate the fund's flexibility in supporting various community-led solutions to waste challenges.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 9th March 2025, with successful projects expected to receive funding by mid-April 2025. All initiatives must be completed by March 2026.
The fund is open to community and voluntary sector groups, faith groups, not-for-profit social enterprises, and schools across Merseyside and Halton. Interested organisations can apply via the MRWA website or contact the Authority directly.
