HAVE you got an idea that can help Somerset save waste? You might be eligible for a grant from a special county fund.

The second year of the Waste Not Somerset fund is now open for applications, with cash on offer to innovative schemes.

Provided by Somerset Council and its collections contractor SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, funding will be awarded to community groups in Somerset who prevent or reduce waste.

Now, community groups and organisations are being invited to put themselves forward for the latest round of grants, ranging from £5,000 to £10,000 available.

Somerset schemes eligible for funding are:

New projects or initiatives focused on waste reduction and reuse
Expanding or scaling up successful existing work
Replicating proven initiatives in new areas of Somerset

Cllr Richard Wilkins, executive member for transport and waste services at Somerset Council, said: “We look forward to hearing from our communities. We welcome applications from organisations and groups looking to make a difference through innovative approaches.”

READ MORE: Why aren’t more Somerset people recycling their food waste?

Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will reduce waste generation and promote sustainable practices in their community, the council said.

The fund is managed by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF) on the partnership’s behalf and for more information and detailed application guidelines for the Waste Not Somerset Fund, visit somersetcf.org.uk/grants-funding/details/waste-not-somerset-fund.

The latest round of funding comes after it was revealed 17,000 tonnes of food waste was sent to landfill in the Somerset area last year. In 2023/24, a total of 5,542 tonnes of waste was sent to landfill, according to Somerset Council, while more than 145,000 tonnes of waste was reused or recycled.