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A waste management partnership has announced the relaunch of one of its community schemes this year.
The partnership between Bracknell Forest, Reading, Wokingham Borough Councils, and FCC Environment, re3, has announced it is bringing back its re3Grow Community Scheme.
This initiative, which started in March 2022, continues to provide local community groups and schools with free, high-quality, peat-free compost made from recycled garden waste.
Since the introduction of the scheme, over 4,000 bags of re3grow compost have been donated to more than 200 different community organisations and schools across the local area, delivering over £30,000 in social value.
The scheme not only supports local projects but also promotes recycling awareness and strengthens community bonds. Through the scheme, re3 directly connects the recycling process with the people who benefit from it, providing compost to community allotments, gardens, charities supporting food banks, schools, scouts and Girlguiding groups and other local organisations.
Organisations and schools interested in receiving compost are invited to complete an expression of interest form available on the re3 website. There is a limited number of bags available, so groups are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.
In a joint re3 statement Reading Borough councillor Karen Rowland, Chair of the Joint Waste Disposal Board Bracknell Forest, joined Bracknell Forest Cllr Helen Purnell, and Wokingham Borough Cllr Katrin Harding, in a joint statement: “We are delighted to see the re3Grow Community Scheme continue this year.
“This initiative has been a great success, benefiting over 200 organisations across Bracknell Forest, Reading, and Wokingham Boroughs.
“The re3Grow compost scheme has led to numerous projects in the community and helped nourish community allotments, grow fruits and vegetables for local food banks, teach children about growing plants or enhance outdoor spaces in nearby schools.
“We are also pleased that this project and its value have been recognised within the industry by being shortlisted in the ‘Local Authority Success’ category at last year’s Material Recycling World National Recycling Awards.”
Scott Adams, re3 General Manager, FCC Environment, said: “One of the most unique aspects of the re3Grow Community Scheme is how it connects the public to the recycling process. Garden waste recycling is one of the most popular services at the re3 Recycling Centres in Bracknell and Reading.
“By offering free recycled compost to local communities, the scheme has made recycling more personal, showcasing the direct benefits of recycling within the local area.
“Residents can see firsthand how their garden waste is transformed into valuable compost that helps enhance community space or promotes local food growing.”
The re3Grow compost conforms to BSI PAS 100 and the Compost Quality Protocol and is currently on sale to members of the public at the recycling centres in Longshot Lane, Bracknell, and Island Road, Reading.
As part of re3’s Community re3Grow Scheme, compost is offered free of charge to community groups and schools selected to be part of the project.
