13 January 2006

Environment Minister Jeff Rooker has announced funding of 3 million for voluntary and community bodies for waste management.

The minister said 15 voluntary and community bodies have been offered funding from the new Community Waste Innovation Fund, (CWIF) and added: This fund will bring together people from all walks of life with a single goal of making a difference to the environment, through minimising Northern Ireland's waste.

These projects are perfect examples of the enterprising spirit that we want to encourage in all parts of the economy here. I am particularly pleased by the innovative range of ideas going forward.

We have education and awareness programmes being developed alongside community recycling schemes, and even a waste vegetable oil recycling facility. Accessible outlets for the collection and re-sale of bulkier goods will allow more waste to be reused.

What's more, these are inclusive projects, taking in economically vulnerable areas and special interest groups.

The CWIF was launched in March 2005 and is aimed at strengthening the involvement of the community and voluntary sector in reducing Northern Ireland 's waste. The scheme has a budget of 3 million over a three-year period.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Community Waste Innovation Fund was launched in March 2005. It is a three-year scheme, with an overall 3m budget. It is designed to strengthen the involvement of voluntary and community groups in waste management. The funding will allow them to undertake innovative projects supporting both the objectives of the NI Waste Management Strategy and the regional plans of District Councils.

COMMUNITY WASTE INNOVATION FUND SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS

APPLICANT

DESCRIPTION

FUNDING

Greater Shantallow Area Partnership

Recycling initiative giving initially 5000 homes (increasing to 10,000), the opportunity to compost household-generated organic material.

266,867

Bryson House, Rathlin Island

Providing each Rathlin dwelling with a container to store and carry materials to a newly created multi material bring site on the island.

9,858

Homewrap Ltd

A waste vegetable oil recycling and bio diesel refining plant which will refine 2 million litres per year.

100,000

Conservation Volunteers NI

A kerbside green waste collection facility in Coleraine Borough, with a processing yard and associated equipment.

126,548

East Belfast Mission

A new outlet for the resale of second-hand furniture and electrical appliances.

450,000

Oxfam NI, Armagh

A collection and processing service for unwanted furniture, household items and smaller electrical goods.

69,350

Bryson House, Sort It Out

Sort It Out' waste minimisation educational programme for primary school children to promote and create awareness of waste management.

425,392

Carnany Community Association

A mini recycling centre within Carnany Estate, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim.

52,800

Derg Valley Care Ltd

Glass for Life project recycling glass to create meaningful employment for 20 adults with learning disabilities.

202,753

Limavady Community Development Initiative

Home collection service for glass, textiles, furniture, garden waste and paper.

167,758

Centre 4ARD

Electrical components dis-assembly plant to extract end of life re-usable electrical materials.

450,000

Envirocentre Ltd

Northern Ireland Sustainability and Resources Institute as part of the Queens University Centre for Sustainability and Environmental Governance.

154,000

Sustainable NI

Major NI-wide conference in November 2005 on community waste issues and produce a Waste Guide highlighting best practice and offering practical help.

21,000

The NEEDabag 2 project to encourage alternatives to plastic bags, promote recycling, and reduce the number of non-biodegradable plastic bags to the environment.

58,480

Voluntary Services Lisburn Ltd

A collection service for unwanted domestic white goods and a drop off' area for the public to bring unwanted items for reuse or recycling.

450,000

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