ARA-UK pioneers a project to empower residents living in flats to take the lead as recycling champions across the United Kingdom.
In a brilliant e
xample of partnerships developed at grass roots, residents are pioneering a waste management project at flats across the country.
As part of a resident engagement project funded by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), residents living in flats managed by Housing Associations Housing21 and AmicusHorizon, took part in 24 engagement workshops, mentoring and site visits by the project team in East and West Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.
This rewarding project consults with residents on what services they need, and includes increasing the quantity and quality of dry recyclables, depositing food waste into Green Johanna composters which have been installed on site, initiatives to recycle batteries and waste electronic and electrical equipment, and textiles where possible.
The ground breaking project, called ‘Waste is Mine – it’s Yours’ developed and managed by Gatwick Diamond Green Champion award winner, community and social engagement practitioner, Anthea Rossouw of ARA-UK, is working in close co-operation with The University of Brighton, Great Green Systems, the Housing Associations, residents and court managers as also local authorities as project partners.
Mark 
Allum, Policy and Term Contracts Manager at Housing 21, commented: “This partnership facilitates lifestyle change for the residents, which is what this is all about”.
As an endorsement of the value of this project and the effort put in by the residents, DEFRA has recently announced a further grant to expand the project to Wiltshire, Berkshire, Somerset, Kent and more properties in Sussex.
Typical comments from enthusiastic residents are: “very interesting and informative. I am now a convert!” Eleanor Jones of Reginald Mitchell Court, Eastleigh, Hampshire, “Great fun and we have learned a lot”, G.M. Long – Cavendish Court, Brighton.
For further information please contact Anthea Rossouw
