By KLTV Newsdesk –
Kirklees Council has awarded £5,000 in grants to six local organisations as part of its Zero Waste Community Grant.
Launched in April 2024, the initiative aims to support community groups in their efforts to reduce waste by providing funding for the implementation of green projects.
Eligibility Criteria
The grant was open to various Kirklees-based groups, including community organisations, voluntary bodies, registered charities, community interest companies, and small businesses operating within and serving Kirklees communities.
Eligible organisations could apply for up to £1,000, with the requirement that their proposals align with the council’s zero waste strategy and demonstrate a positive environmental impact.
Successful Grant Recipients
The following organisations have been awarded funding, and the success of their initiatives will be monitored and evaluated over the coming year:
- St Stephen’s Church Lindley: Funding will support the establishment of a community recycling scheme for medicinal blister packs, unusual plastics, and a collection tub for textiles, shoes, and sports items in partnership with the Christian African Relief Trust.
- Rainbow Baby Bank: The grant will be used to purchase a PAT tester, enabling the safety testing and reuse of donated electrical items.
- Thread Republic: The funding will support an upcycling competition for professional makers and design students as part of Sustainable Fashion Week in September 2024.
- Parents, Teachers and Friends Association, Slaithwaite Neilds Academy**: The grant will fund a project to compost all the school’s food waste.
- LS2Y Community Services (The Chestnut Centre, Deighton): The organisation will use the funds to improve internal systems for recycling and waste reduction and to host clothing repair workshops for the local community.
- River Holme Connections: The grant will cover the recycling of approximately 7,000 plastic tree guards and 3,600 hedge guards.
Cleaner and Greener Future
Councillor Munir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating: “The Zero Waste Grant initiative is a small but important step toward creating a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for Kirklees.
“I’m thrilled that the winning participants can turn their ideas into reality, increase recycling, and join us in our journey to Net Zero 2038.”
Samantha Cottam of Rainbow Baby Bank also shared her excitement: “We’re delighted with the funding from Kirklees Council and excited for the impact it will have. In the past, we have had to dispose of donated electrical items, but now, with the PAT testing device, we can re-donate safe and useable devices or sell them in our charity shop.
“This reduces landfill waste and benefits our users – it’s a win-win!”
Further Information
For more details on Kirklees Council’s Resources and Waste Strategy 2021-2030, please visit the council’s official website.
