On Tuesday 5 June – this World Environmental Day – Veolia’s Southwark Recycling Facility will open its doors to anyone who has an idea for a grassroots project to help the environment.
At the Southwark Recycling Facility, visitors can see how plastics and other materials are recycled. There will also be more information about the Recycling Fund for Communities and the resources available for winning projects.
In previous years, Veolia has awarded up to £1000. However, this year the Recycling Fund for Communities will offer up to £2000. If a project requires more backing, it will be possible to crowdfund the remaining costs.
Projects should either show a use of recycled or reclaimed materials, the ability to protect local environments or preserve resources, or a positive focus on plastic waste. Additional details about the fund can be found here.
Winners of the 2017 Recycling Fund for Communities include the East Dulwich Community Centre, which received £540 in order to facilitate a community swap of household items. Residents were able to exchange unwanted items for free, instead of throwing them away.
Lamlash Gardens in Elephant & Castle was also funded in 2017. The project was awarded £1000 to transform two parking and storage areas, which were being used as illegal waste dumps, into green spaces for the community.
It is free to attend the Southwark Recycling Facility, but as spaces are limited, tickets should be reserved online. There are two sessions: 1:30pm-3:30 pm and 6:30pm-8:30pm. Those who cannot attend are still able to submit their pitches on Veolia’s website.