Keeping You Informed with the Monthly Waste Round-Up
Welcome to this month’s Waste Management News Round-Up, where we bring you the latest updates from across the waste and recycling industry. Each month, we highlight key developments in sustainability, circular economy initiatives, community-driven projects, corporate waste reduction efforts, and government policies shaping the future of waste management.
With new technologies, funding opportunities, and evolving regulations, staying informed about waste management trends is more important than ever. Through this round-up, we aim to showcase innovative projects, celebrate environmental progress, and spotlight initiatives that make a real difference in reducing waste and improving recycling efforts.
This month’s highlights include:
- London’s commitment to the circular economy, driving sustainable urban planning.
- The launch of a £165,000 Zero Waste Community Fund in Liverpool, empowering local projects.
- Currys and Deloitte tackling e-waste, making tech recycling more accessible.
- Matilda’s Legacy campaign, inspiring a new generation of environmentalists.
- Sainsbury’s pioneering biofuel initiative, transforming food waste into clean energy.
Let’s dive into this month’s most significant updates in waste management and sustainability.
London Leading the Way in Circular Economy
The City of London is reinforcing its role as a sustainability leader through its Circular Economy Framework and Action Plan. This strategic initiative aims to integrate circular principles into urban planning and waste management, ensuring the Square Mile becomes a model for sustainability. The plan not only promotes waste reduction but also enhances recycling facilities for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Mary Durcan, Chair of the City Corporation’s Port Health and Environmental Services Committee, emphasised the significance of the initiative:
“This framework is a game-changer for the Square Mile. It builds on our commitment to innovation and sustainability, creating a greener, cleaner City for everyone.”
Key elements of the Circular Economy Plan:
- Sustainable construction projects using resource-efficient materials.
- Community engagement initiatives to promote circular practices.
- Regular “Give and Take” days, allowing residents to donate and exchange items, reducing landfill waste.
- Alignment with the Climate Action Strategy, targeting net-zero emissions by 2040.
By adopting these measures, London is setting a new global standard in circularity, attracting sustainable investments and paving the way for other cities.
£165,000 Zero Waste Fund Empowers Local Communities
The Liverpool City Region Zero Waste Community Fund has launched for 2025/26, allocating £165,000 in grants to community groups, non-profits, and social enterprises. The fund supports projects focused on reducing household waste, increasing recycling, and cutting carbon emissions.
Councillor Catie Page, Chairperson of Merseyside Recycling & Waste Authority (MRWA), highlighted the power of community-driven action:
“By empowering these groups to address local waste challenges, we not only benefit the environment but also foster a greater appreciation for resources and the value of reducing waste.”
Funding Breakdown:
Up to £30,000 for projects impacting four or more districts.
Grants between £1,000 and £8,000 for single-local authority projects.
Successful past initiatives include:
- Repair cafés, where broken items are professionally repaired rather than discarded.
- Furniture restoration programmes, giving second-hand furniture a new lease of life.
- Cookery clubs, teaching food waste reduction through better meal planning.
- Clothing swap cafés, encouraging sustainable fashion choices.
With this fund, Liverpool is ensuring that local communities can lead the charge in sustainable waste management.
Currys & Deloitte Team Up to Combat E-Waste
With electronic waste posing an ever-growing challenge, Currys and Deloitte have joined forces through the ‘Recycle for Good’ initiative, aimed at encouraging responsible disposal of old tech and electronics.
As part of this partnership, Deloitte’s 25,000 UK employees can now recycle their unwanted tech at Currys stores, ensuring electronic waste is either repurposed or properly processed.
Lindsay Haselhurst, COO of Currys, shared her excitement for the collaboration:
“We are so excited to work with Deloitte on their important ‘Recycle for Good’ initiative. At Currys, we are committed to reducing e-waste and educating customers on how to dispose of their unwanted tech responsibly.”
How the initiative works:
- Free recycling of small electricals, regardless of where they were purchased.
- Cash incentives, with at least a £5 Currys voucher for each recycled device.
- Refurbished laptops and devices will be donated to charities and schools, helping to bridge the digital divide.
With 59% of UK consumers prioritising waste reduction, this initiative provides an accessible, rewarding, and impactful solution to the growing e-waste crisis.
Matilda’s Legacy: A Young Girl’s Vision for a Litter-Free Future
A heartwarming campaign in Pudsey is inspiring the next generation of environmental advocates. Matilda’s Legacy, launched in memory of 11-year-old Matilda Pritchard, is dedicated to making her dream of a litter-free world a reality.
Matilda’s father, Steve Pritchard, explained the mission of the initiative:
“Matilda loved learning about the environment and making a difference to her local community through regular litter picks. This campaign looks to honour her passion and hopefully inspire future generations.”
Key findings from Matilda’s Legacy research:
- 99% of UK respondents believe children should learn about litter’s impact in school.
- 85% support early education on sustainability, starting in infant school.
- 34% advocate for climate change education in primary/junior schools.
The campaign’s goals:
- Raise £42,000 to fund five years of Eco-Schools England litter education, representing the school years Matilda would have experienced.
- Promote school-based litter-picking programmes, fostering hands-on action.
- Inspire a long-term shift in attitudes toward waste, ensuring future generations prioritise sustainability.
By honouring Matilda’s memory, this initiative is proving that education and awareness are fundamental to tackling waste.
Sainsbury’s: Turning Food Waste into Biofuel
Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s has launched a groundbreaking initiative to convert food waste into biofuel, which will power 30 delivery trucks at its Emerald Park distribution centre.
How the process works:
- Anaerobic digestion technology, developed by waste processor RenECO, converts food waste into biogas.
- The biogas is then processed into liquid biofuel, making it suitable for HGVs.
- This transition is expected to cut 3,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
By implementing this initiative, Sainsbury’s is minimising food waste while reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with its broader sustainability goals.
Stay Informed with Waste Management News
Each month, our waste round-up provides insights into the latest advancements in waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy initiatives. Whether it’s government policies, corporate sustainability efforts, or community-driven projects, we ensure you stay informed about the key developments shaping the future of waste management.
Stay tuned for next month’s update!
Learn More by Reading the Sources Below
👉 London’s Commitment to The Circular Economy: London Aiming to Become Fully Circular
👉 Zero Waste Fund: Liverpool Launch £165,000 Waste Fund
👉 Currys and Deloitte Partnership: Currys and Deloitte Tackling E-waste
👉 Matilda’s legacy Campaign: Matilda’s Legacy Inspiring a New Generation of Environmentalists
👉 Sainsbury’s Biofuel Initiative: Sainsbury’s Transforming Food Waste into Biofuel
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