Minister announces further funding to divert waste from landfill
01 September 2010
Environment Minister Edwin Poots today announced additional funding of £200,000 for resource efficiency and innovative waste management projects.
This is the revenue stream of the multi million pound Rethink Waste Fund that the Minister announced in May of this year.
This additional fund will make grants available to the community and voluntary sector, private sector and local councils for revenue costs associated with projects that will boost waste prevention, recycling and re-use.
Projects diverting household waste from landfill will assist in easing the burden on ratepayers who ultimately bear the cost of landfill tax.
Grants will also be available for schemes improving resource efficiency. This includes reducing energy consumption and the use of alternative raw materials (such as recycled products) as well as waste minimisation.
Speaking at the launch, at the new premises of the East Belfast Mission re:store shop in Belfast, Mr Poots said:
“I have seen at first hand and am genuinely impressed with the often pioneering and highly effective work of the community and voluntary sector in seeking to find ways to minimise waste and boost recycling and re-use across Northern Ireland.
“East Belfast Mission is proof that waste is a valuable resource. As a result of the original funding made available by my Department, East Belfast Mission now has nine shops selling a variety of second hand goods. This diverted over 420 tonnes of furniture from landfill and generated over £650 000 in 2009, which went directly in to the community.
“I am convinced however that more can be done and I am keen to assist. I would encourage all those that are eligible to put forward innovative projects to help improve resource efficiency, divert waste from landfill and meet EU targets.”
Applicants may submit proposals either individually, or in partnership with councils, with the community and voluntary sector, the private sector or through Northern Ireland’s Waste Management Groups.
Further detailed information on the application process, including the assessment criteria, application form and guidance notes is available by clicking here.
Notes to editors:
1. The proposed timetable for the Fund is set out below:
· 1 September 2010 - announcement of the Rethink Waste Fund Revenue Programme. Application forms and guidance documents are available for download. Click here.
· 22 September 2010 – deadline for the submission of applications.
· October 2010 - evaluation/assessment of applications and applicants notified of the outcome.
2. Resource efficiency seeks to reduce the environmental impact of the consumption and production of goods and services over their full life cycle. Improving resource efficiency can be achieved by reducing energy consumption, using alternative raw materials and minimising waste produced. The latter of these can also be achieved by finding alternative uses for by-products of production.
3. The Rethink Waste Fund, a resource efficiency fund, is being administered by the Department of Environment with the support of the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
4. Examples of the type of schemes for which funding will be available to cover include:
· Salaries and associated costs, such as recruitment, administration and running costs;
· Premises costs, such as rent, rates, heating, lighting etc;
· Financial costs, such as insurance but excluding bank interest and bank charges;
· Travel and Subsistence;
· Promotional material such as advertising, publicity, education.
5. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department of the Environment Press Office on 028 90 540003. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.
