New WRAP funding available

The UK’s Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has announced the availability of a new capital grant scheme intended to boost reprocessing capacity in the UK as part of meeting the objectives of the UK government’s Waste Strategy Review, which aims to reduce waste going to landfill by 50% by 2012.

The scheme is primarily aimed at the establishment of new recycling installations, but WRAP will accept applications intended to improve existing material recycling facilities and processors.

The scheme initially targets installations in England, with a separate scheme intended for launch this autumn that will cover installations in Scotland. A wide range of materials is covered by the scheme, including timber, plastics, glass and inert materials. Applications are invited under the scheme from companies that want to develop new or existing CD&E waste processing and recycling facilities. Under the scheme, WRAP will meet 30% of the total cost of plant, equipment and infrastructure.

In addition to being located in England, applicants must be able to demonstrate that their project would process such waste that otherwise would find its way to landfill. In addition, the project must be dependent on WRAP support for viability and be commercially sustainable in the medium and long term, with an auditable annual output for a minimum of five years. There should also be a clearly defined end market for the processed waste.

The deadline for applications is 16^th July 2008, with successful applications notified in August. All projects receiving funding through the scheme must be operational by 31 October 2010.