Material Focus has announced that its “Support Grants and Loans Package” helping to support the electrical waste recycling sector as a result of COVID-19 has been allocated £2.5 million.
The “Support Grants and Loans Package” will help support the continuation of the UK WEEE recycling system as the sector deals with the repercussions of COVID-19. The funding has provided nearly £2 million of interest free loans to commercial electrical waste treatment facilities. Fourteen companies applied and were granted loans, and 34 charities were provided with support via grants.
Material Focus allocated the fund on behalf of the 2019 Compliance Fee Advisory Panel. The research identifies the economic impact that coronavirus was having on the sector. Loans and grants that were applied for were allocated based upon evidence issued by applicants for WEEE processing in 2019.
Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus comments: “We are delighted that Material Focus has been able to help support 48 organisations and charities. Continuing to process the valuable materials contained in electricals is important for the environment and the economy.”
Phil Conran from the AATF Forum, says; “This was a very welcome initiative and has helped some members get through a difficult period when their supply of WEEE stopped overnight. Without this funding, it is clear that the UK’s WEEE treatment capacity would have been harmed.”
Paul Smith, CEO of The Reuse Shop Stranraer, who received £10,000 from the fund, states; “The WEEE Reuse Support Fund has enabled the Community Reuse Shop to reopen with confidence, knowing we have the necessary skills and resources to safely test, prepare and reuse electrical appliances. Without this funding we would not be properly and safely prepared to reopen the shop.”
The Edinburgh Remakery also received £10,000. Elaine Brown, CEO says; “The Edinburgh Remakery is delighted to receive the WEEE Reuse Grant Support. This will make a huge difference to the work we are doing. Prior to Covid19 we had launched our free IT Disposal Service for Businesses. The WEEE Grant will enable us to bring back one of our IT technicians to refurbish the IT donations from businesses and another member of the team to promote the service and support businesses through the process. This has given a real kick start to our project that will both benefit businesses to dispose of E-waste responsibly, but also allow us to continue to donate refurbished IT to those in the community that are facing digital isolation as a direct result of Covid19.”
