HL Deb 24 January 1991 vol 525 cc14-6WA
Lord Addington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide a list of recycling grants now available; (a) exclusively from the Department of the Environment; (b) in conjunction with other departments; and (c) from European Community funds.

Baroness Blatch

Support for recycling is available as follows:

(a) Exclusively from the Department of the Environment;

From April 1991 funding will be available to national and regional voluntary organisations under the Environmental Grant Fund in support of environmental projects including those supporting recycling. In addition, £10 million in Supplementary Credits Approvals will be available to local authorities in England in 1991–92 to support the development of recycling facilities.

(b) In conjunction with other government departments;

The Environmental Technology Innovation Scheme (ETIS) is a joint scheme between the Department of the Environment and the Department of Trade and Industry. It provides up to 50 per cent. of project costs for collaborative research to proof of concept stage in a wide range of environmental technologies, including recycling. Funds of up to £4 million are available each year under the scheme.

The Department of Trade and Industry also runs an Environmental Management Options Scheme (DEMOS) which aims to promote the widespread adoption of "best practice" technologies with broad potential for environmental benefits. Projects related to recycling technology are within the scope of the scheme.

(c) From European Community Funds;

Within the European Community Framework programme the Recycling Waste Research and Development Scheme (REWARD) aims to stimulate recycling and alleviate problems in waste management together with improving the management of raw materials and energy resources.

The European Community EUREKA EUROENVIRON project is aimed at supporting research and development in 10 broad sectors of environmental management, including the handling and disposal of industrial and agricultural waste. Recycling projects involving UK participants which meet the criteria for the scheme can apply to the Department of Trade and Industry for support.

The European Community programme of Action by the Community relating to Environment (ACE) also offers financial support to projects aimed at developing techniques for recycling and reusing waste. Priority is currently being given to projects which involve the recycling of plastics or of used tyres.