The Zero Waste Community Fund provides grants to community organisations across the Liverpool City Region, UK to deliver innovative waste prevention, reuse, and recycling initiatives. Funding ranges from £8,000 for single-district projects to £30,000 for region-wide projects, with a focus on five priority household waste streams: Food, Furniture, Plastics, Textiles, and WEEE. Eligible applicants include registered charities, social enterprises, community groups, and educational institutions.
Overview
The Zero Waste Community Fund supports initiatives that aim to improve waste behaviour, promote sustainability, and create meaningful community impact. It is delivered by the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority in partnership with Veolia, targeting the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector across the Liverpool City Region.
Key objectives:
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Encourage waste prevention, reuse, and recycling
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Make a positive impact on communities
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Promote innovative and practical projects focusing on priority waste materials
Priority Waste Materials
Applicants are expected to focus on at least one of the following five household waste streams:
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Food Waste
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Food skills training, growing initiatives, and composting
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Improve shopping habits, storage, and portion control
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Furniture
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Reuse, repair, repurposing, and donation initiatives
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Support community access to usable furniture
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Plastics
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Reduction of disposal, resource conservation, and pollution prevention
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Textiles
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Sewing skills, clothes swapping, repair workshops, and lending libraries
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Promote reuse and circular economy practices
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WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
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Recycling or repair of battery- or plug-operated electronics
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Conserve natural resources and reduce environmental damage
Funding Levels
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Single-District Projects: Up to £8,000
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Region-Wide Projects: Up to £30,000
Grants are intended to support the delivery of measurable waste prevention initiatives and ensure tangible benefits for the wider community.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, organisations must:
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Have no overdue monitoring or reporting obligations from previous funded projects
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Operate as one of the following:
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Registered incorporated charities
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Not-for-profit organisations
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Community associations, tenants and residents groups
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Faith or political groups with community purpose
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Environmental, arts, or heritage organisations with registration documents
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Co-operatives and social enterprises
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Community Interest Companies (limited by guarantee with three unrelated directors)
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Schools, colleges, and universities delivering projects benefiting both the institution and the wider community or in partnership with a community organisation
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How to Apply
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Confirm Eligibility: Check organisation type and ensure all prior reporting obligations are complete
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Develop Project Proposal: Align with fund objectives and select at least one priority waste material
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Prepare Budget: Include all project costs, ensuring alignment with scale of funding requested
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Submit Application: Follow the fund’s application guidelines and deadlines, including supporting documentation
Expected Outcomes
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Reduced waste generation and improved recycling and reuse rates
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Enhanced community awareness and behaviour change regarding sustainability
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Positive social and environmental impact across Liverpool City Region
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Capacity building for community organisations to deliver sustainable projects
Common Tips for Applicants
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Focus on priority household waste streams for greater alignment with funding goals
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Demonstrate community impact and measurable outcomes
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Provide clear project plans, budgets, and timelines
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Include partnerships with local groups or institutions if applicable
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Ensure all governance and legal documentation is complete and up to date
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply?
Registered charities, not-for-profits, community associations, social enterprises, co-operatives, CICs, educational institutions, and faith or political groups with a wider community purpose.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
£8,000 for single-district projects and £30,000 for region-wide projects.
3. What types of projects are funded?
Waste prevention, reuse, and recycling initiatives focused on Food, Furniture, Plastics, Textiles, and WEEE.
4. Can individuals apply?
No. Applications must be submitted by eligible organisations.
5. Are previous grant recipients eligible?
Yes, provided all prior monitoring and reporting requirements are completed.
6. Can schools and universities apply?
Yes, if projects benefit the wider community or are delivered in partnership with a voluntary or community organisation.
7. What types of activities are supported under each waste stream?
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Food: Skills training, growing, composting
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Furniture: Repair, reuse, donation
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Plastics: Reduction, resource conservation
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Textiles: Sewing, swaps, repair
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WEEE: Repair or recycling of electronic items
Conclusion
The Zero Waste Community Fund empowers community organisations in the Liverpool City Region to deliver innovative, impactful, and sustainable waste initiatives. By focusing on priority materials and measurable outcomes, the fund supports projects that improve waste behaviour, benefit communities, and advance environmental sustainability.
For more information, visit MRWA.
