Recycle for Greater Manchester - Community and Recycling Information

Community and Recycling Information

Q: What is a community recycling project?

A: A community recycling project is usually a recycling project that has an environmental and social aim. Community recycling projects can raise funds for local activities and also contribute to their local area by providing work experience and up skilling opportunities for local people or may provide low cost items such as furniture for community benefit.

Q: Where can I get help to set up a recycling project?

A: There are a number of websites that can provide you with information, try www.communitywaste.org.uk. For a more personal approach we have expertise here in Greater Manchester: contact Ian Scott, Community Recycling Network (CRN), 0161 273 6976 or mobile 07870194126.

Also your district council have designated recycling and waste prevention departments who may be able to give you advice. Please visit the Recycling in your area page.

Q: Where can I get start up funds?

A: Most of the districts offer small community grants to local organisations. Look on your district website for information. National Council for Voluntary Organisations has a funding toolkit www.nvco-vol.org.uk/index. Also CRN have a monthly e-newsletter. There are a number of websites that can give you advice on how to set up your community recycling project. A good place to start is with: www.communitywaste.org.uk.

Q: How much money can we earn from recycling?

A: This will depend on the price you are offered for what you are recycling and the amount you can collect.

Q: What are recycling credits and how do we get them?

A: Recycling credits are payments made by Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA), to a third party that recycle elements of household waste, so reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill. Recycling credits are paid per tonne of recyclables. Currently you will only get recycling credits for textiles, card or paper. In order for you to receive recycling credits you will need to be able to:

Provide proof that you are a charity or community and voluntary sector group.
Collect a minimum of 4 tonnes of material per year.
Provide proof that your recyclables is being recycled.
Collect recyclables that is are not already collected by your district council.

Q: Who wants what and how much will they pay?

A: Currently the best things to consider collecting would be paper, cans and textiles. The price you are paid is usually a rate per tonne, how much you will be paid will depend on the quality of the recyclables, the amount you collect and the current market price. Have a look at the Waste Resources Action Plan (WRAP) website to find more local suppliers: http://www.recycleatwork.org.uk.

Q: What sorts of things can I collect?

A: You can collect just about any recyclable or re-useable product such as paper, aluminium cans, steel cans and textiles. These will generally go to a re-processor for recycling. If you collect furniture this will be for re-use. (For information on Furniture Reuse see: www.frn.org.uk).

Q: What can I do about advertising my project?

A: WRAP has produced a wealth of advice on marketing and campaigns. You can use the Recycle Now and WRAP downloadable images for your marketing information and literature. See: http://www.recyclenowpartners.org.uk/retail_high_street/brand_benefits.html.

Q: Do I need a lot of space?

A: This will depend on what you collect, for example you will need more space if you are collecting cans than you would for paper – unless your project can crush the cans or bale the paper. You will also need to ensure that you have the space and facilities to store your recyclables safely?

Q: Do I need a skip or container?

A: Skips are a good way of containing recyclables so that it does not make a mess or harm the environment. The recycler or merchant will want the recyclables in a particular way, they may want it baled, bagged, packaged or in a skip.

Q: How many people do I need to run a community waste project?

A: This will depend on what you are collecting, how much, how often and from how wide an area. You also have to think about how you are going to handle the recyclables at your base.

Q: Are there any Health and Safety issues that I should be aware of?

A: Yes definitely, particularly if you are considering working with the volunteers who will be collecting from the public. There are a number of handy websites you should consider looking at: www.communitywaste.org.uk, www.hse.gov.uk/waste/index.htm and www.hsfb.co.uk.

Collecting recyclables

You need to remember you may be collecting materials that could be dangerous. You should consider the safety of your volunteers and the people from whom you are collecting the waste.

Storing recyclables

If you need to store your recyclables, you will need to make sure your storage is adequate and safe. Also see www.environment-agency.gov.uk

Handling recyclables

Think through any possible health and safety issues that may arise from your recycling. Think about the type of waste you may be collecting.

You should also think about who will be handling your recyclables and what may be the health and safety implications for collectors. This could concern the weight of the items or the nature i.e. bags of tin cans and paper that can cut or cause infection and paper is very heavy and lifting it can cause injury.

For more information have a look at these sites and think about how they relate to your project: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg415.pdf, www.hse.gov.uk/waste/information.htm

Q: Are there any ‘transport’ issues that I need to consider?

A: Yes, how do you plan to collect the recyclables and get it to the recycler or merchant?
Issues to consider, will your recyclers collect from you or will you have to take it somewhere? Do you want to work directly with the recyclables reprocessers or you or to work with a handling organisation? There may be a local community group that can help you with baling or crushing.

Q: Can I collect recyclables from different places?

A: Yes you can, but you will need a waste carriers licence. It is an offence to carry waste without a licence. You can apply for one from the Environment Agency. Visit the website on www.environment-agency.gov.uk, call them on 08708 506506 or e-mail them on enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Q: What is a waste carrier’s licence?

A: Generally anyone that transports waste must have a waste carrier’s licence which allows them to transport waste. The licence will specify what type of waste you are licensed to carry and is proof that you are carrying it safely and within current guidelines.

Q: What is Controlled Waste?

A: Controlled waste is any waste except waste from agricultural premises, waste from mines and quarries, explosives and radioactive waste.

Q: What can I do with any waste left over?

A: Try to prevent collecting or generating any unusable waste. Encourage people to reduce the amount of waste they produce, by collecting recyclables in reusable bags or boxes.

There are websites and groups that will help you become a more environmentally sustainable group. Try and find an organisation or group that can use your waste see links below.

Helpful internet links:

For further information please use the enquiry form which can be found on the contact us page.