Projects
In addition to the ongoing support and representation work the CRN UK carries out on behalf of it's membership, it is also involved in various other projects, often in partnership with other organisations. These projects have been developed to contribute to the development of the sector and relate to the core activities of the CRN UK.
Please click on the links below to find out more about the project work we are carrying out and how to get involved.
Current CRN UK projects
CORCA - the Commercial & Office Recycling Collections Assembly (or CORCA) is a REalliance Third Sector Capacity Building programme funded project. Its aim is to develop and build the capacity of the sector in dealing with the huge challenge of commercial & industrial waste. Commercial waste recycling is high on the governments agenda at the moment and provides interesting opportunities for third sector organisations to get involved.
CRN Healthcare project
The NHS currently produces over a million tonnes of waste a year, costing £73m. in disposal. This is also a costly burden on our decreasing landfill supply.Between 70%-90% of healthcare waste is similar to domestic waste, and much of it can be re-used or recycled. Government say the NHS recycled just 14% of waste in 2007-8, but because little research has been done on this, no one is really quite sure. As the recession continues to bite and public sector budgets are cut, NHS budgets will be cut. The potential savings for hospitals and other health related services are substantial.
Training - CRN UK is also a registered training centre for the one day accredited CIWM Waste Awareness(CIWM say we were one of their most active training centres in the country in 2007-8.) A new healthcare version of this course, developed in conjunction with the NHS, has just been finalised, and is ready for rolling out. See www.ciwm.co.uk. We can also offer you this course, motivating your staff in better resource management.
Waste Audits - We can help you conduct a waste audit, concentrating on reducing waste and exploring the potential for the 'domestic' waste stream (black bag waste and bulky waste.) We will agree with you the exact focus and scope of your audit, which will take approx. 2-3 hours initially, with a follow up report and analysis. There is no charge to you for this.
If you are interested, or to find out more information, please contact Heidi Seary, Business Development Manager for CRN UK on 07966 450426, or email heidi@crn.org.uk
M62
Waste disposal costs are rising steeply because of shortage of landfill sites. As the recession continues to bite and profits are squeezed, businesses look to efficiency savings. We have to find ways of freeing the valuable resources 'locked up' in the millions of tonnes of business waste - recycling these materials also creates further jobs. This waste stream totals 68 million tonnes a year nationally and equals 24% of all waste)(DEFRA Report - 'Commercial and Industrial Waste in England - Oct. 2009'.)
Over a sixth of the population lives along theM 62 corridor between Liverpool and Leeds. In the West Yorkshire section alone (Leeds, Bradford, Halifax and Huddersfield) there are approx. 70, 000 businesses. Many of these small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) which are currently not being provided with any kind of recycling service. We aim to help businesses reduce waste at source and find outlets for re-using and recycling materials within the community. A consortium of social enterprises could provide office paper, cans, plastic, glass and cardboard collections, as well as taking away surplus office furniture, carpets, WEEE, textiles, etc.
Waste Audits - We can help you conduct a waste audit, concentrating on reducing waste and exploring the potential for re-use in the community. We will agree with you the exact focus and scope of your audit.
A One Stop Shop - We have social enterprises along the M62 corridor which can work together in partnership with you to re-use and recycle in a way which benefits your local community. Many businesses are concerned about their surrounding social fabric. This is a win-win scenario: money stays within local communities, generating profit to be re-invested, not exported to distant shareholders.
Training - CRN UK is also a registered training centre for the one day accredited CIWM Waste Awareness(CIWM say we were one of their most active training centres in the country in 2007-8.) The course aims to provide an introduction to wastes management and to give knowledge, understanding and skills to improve the management of wastes in your workplace.
If you are interested, or to find out more information, please contact Heidi Seary, Business Development Manager for CRN UK on 07966 450426, or email heidi@crn.org.uk
Compost Doctors - CRN UK manages the Compost Doctors - they are a consortium of experienced, professional composters specialising in small scale, on-site composting of food waste.
Sharing case studies and experiences of on-site composting has built up a unique body of expertise within this group, ranging from equipment to legislation. They provide consultancy to all kinds of catering establishments from pubs, hotels and visitor attractions to prisons and hospitals.
Campaign for Real Recycling - a campaign calling on central government and local authorities to act urgently to improve the quality of materials collected for recycling in the UK.
The Campaign has been formed by members of the UK's leading materials re-processors, the community recycling sector and Friends of the Earth.
Regional Development Programme - this programme was originally funded by Defra through the Third Sector Support Programme. It supported 4 regional development coordinators in the South West, East of England, the Yorkshire and Humber and the North West. It also funded networking / stakeholder days in the South East, the East & West Midlands and the North East.
The aim of this project was to deliver strategic and direct support to the regions, work closely with local authorities and regional agencies and more direct support to front line groups. Whilst this funding source ended the success of this programme has been demonstrated through the additional funding bought in from the Yorkshire & Humber and the North West both of which have thriving regional networks.
Previous Projects
Data Project & Measure Your Treasure
Community Sector Support Programme (MS Word 78 KB)
Community Waste Information Centre (CWIC)