Shropshire Community Recycling Network
The Shropshire Community Recycling Network is a mixed group of organisations involved in different aspects of recycling and reuse. It exists to facilitate and support members to: a) minimize waste in Shropshire and surrounding areas; b) maximise the use of resources from and within the community and the local environment including: materials, people and energy.
The network lobbies and seeks to influence policy and decision making and is a key communication link between community groups and the waste industry, regulators and statutory agencies. It is a provider of significant information.
It has an annual grant from Shropshire Council to distribute to groups and organisations around Shropshire which are engaging people in recycling activity and saving waste from landfill. For further information please take a look at the website: www.scrl.org.uk.
Current members of the network are:
- Bridgnorth and District Furniture Scheme
- Re-bike
- Light Foot Enterprises CIC
- Scrappies
- The Isaiah 58 project
- Land for People Trust
- Shrewsbury Friends of the Earth
- Shrewsbury Furniture Scheme
- Wasteless Society
- Ludlow 21
- Rea Valley Environmental Network
- Cae Post
- CWM Harry land trust
- Master Composters
- South Shropshire Furniture Scheme
- Shropshire Wildlife Trust
- Cleobury Country Environment Forum
- Shropshire Housing Alliance
- Christ Church C/E School, Cressage
- Meole Brace Garden and Allotment Club
- Concord College
- Sheriffhales Parent, Teacher and Friends association
The activities of members vary considerably and include:
- publication of recycling guides
- furniture recycling and distribution to low income households
- retail outlets for recycled and reused furniture
- education and awareness promotion re recycling and reuse
- recycling other products including cardboard, plastics, papers and
- "green" waste
- training workshops re recycling and reuse
- collection waste materials for use in arts and craft activities
- campaigning re recycling and reuse
- campaigning for wildlife and the environment
- schools with a keen focus on recycling different products including paper, food waste and using plastic bottles to build a greenhouse
The network meets every 2-3 months to exchange information, discuss topical issues, share ideas and experiences.
In 2010-11 Shropshire Community Recycling Network successfully distributed £20,000 in grants to 9 organisations across Shropshire. The projects included: a week of waste at an Oswestry Primary School; a new heated composter for fast recycling of garden and kitchen waste; an interactive game to engage the public in the recycling message; making play products from waste; new van for recycling furniture in Shrewsbury; the introduction of recycling to a theatre venue; the development of practical waste ideas to be broadcast on the internet. The network continues to attend a number of green fairs and is increasingly raising its profile. Due to having attracted additional funding we have been able to deliver a range of workshops in community centres across the county to help people understand how they can make use of waste in a creative way. We have also visited a number of recycling projects across the country to learn about new and different approaches to recycling. In November a lively AGM was held at Acton Scott Farm at which grant recipients spoke about their work and demonstrated the outcomes of their grant.
In 2011-2012 the network will be facing reduced funding and will therefore be unable to continue to distribute grants.
Contact: Rosemary Collie on mobile telephone number 07792 687903 or email: rosemary@furniturescheme.co.uk