the Waste & Resources Action Programme

WRAP, the Waste & Resources Action Programme, has announced the closure of its SME Recycling Programme Funding Support Scheme which was launched in October 2007. This follows notification from DEFRA of a 30% cut in WRAP's funding for the coming year.The funding support scheme was planned as a rolling programme into the next financial year and to date WRAP has received over 40 applications. The closure of the scheme will impact on the applications already received which would have relied on funding being available into the next financial year. WRAP will not be awarding any more funds through the scheme. DEFRA has stated that it wants any funding to go across sectors, rather than to individual companies. WRAP has therefore taken the decision to focus its support and funding on 'continuing to create the pull through for good quality recyclables'. Further information on WRAP's new Business Plan will be available in due course. In the meantime, there remain a number of resources available and under development to help businesses expand recycling service provision to SMEs, including Good Practice Guidance, recycle at work branding, and resources for SMEs to help them recycle at work, such as a new on-line searchable tool and 'how to' guides which will all be available through the WRAP website.