Next month the government will demonstrate its renewed commitment to the community recycling sector with a speech from Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Hilary Benn and the announcement of a new capacity building programme to be rolled out nationwide. 


This exciting new programme will be delivered by WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme) in partnership with third sector organisations. The focus will be on the further development of the sector through a comprehensive range of business development services that will take the potential of third sector recycling and reuse organisations across England to a new level.

The programme will be officially launched at the CRN UK conference on Wednesday 4th June, this year held in partnership with London CRN. The conference will welcome a keynote speech from Hilary Benn MP and will focus on building stronger support for third sector organisations that deliver recycling, reuse and waste awareness services.

This year’s conference, People & Resources: Third Sector, First choice will celebrate innovation and success across the community recycling sector from small charities to successful social enterprises. There will also be a gala evening for the presentation of the Resource Awards 2008, which identify, promote and reward the achievements of community-based and not-for-profit recycling projects.

Editor’s Notes

1. The Community Recycling Network UK is the national umbrella organisation for community-based, not-for-profit and co-operative waste management groups which work in reduction, re-use and recycling.
   www.crn.org.uk
2. London CRN is a not-for-profit, second tier organisation, dedicated to supporting and promoting community-based sustainable waste management activities, and make them the preferred solution – financially, socially and environmentally – for the people of London.
   www.lcrn.org.uk
3. WRAP helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change.
   www.wrap.org.uk