Six Luton projects awarded share of £15,000 fund to make town greener

The projects have received funding through the Better Luton Environment Fund, which aims to reduce waste, improve biodiversity and encourage more sustainable ways of living.

The fund is delivered by SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK as part of its social value commitment, using money generated through donations and purchases at Luton Council’s reuse shops.

Councillor Javeria Hussain, cabinet member for waste management, said: “The range and quality of applications received show the passion and commitment of organisations across Luton to improving local neighbourhoods and creating opportunities for residents.

“Every donation and purchase made through our reuse shops helps create opportunities like this, allowing money to be reinvested into projects that make a real difference across the town.”

Jon Melling, operations manager at SUEZ, said the partnership with the council was helping create a more sustainable future.

He said: “Supporting local environmental community projects helps strengthen communities, improve local spaces, and drive positive change where it’s needed most.”

The six successful projects are:

1. The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire has been awarded £2,201 for its Green Skills in the Hills project. The funding will support work to protect Luton’s chalk grassland habitats, including conservation, litter reduction and volunteer training.
2. St Andrew’s Church has received £1,945 for a Schools Nature Education Programme. It will give children opportunities to learn about wildlife and biodiversity and explore local green spaces.
3. SIG Penrose has been awarded £2,754 for Roots Recycle-A-Bike: On the Road. It will expand bike repair, reuse and cycling skills activities, while helping prevent usable bicycles from ending up in landfill.
4. The Next Generation Scheme has received the maximum grant of £3,000 for The Luton Eco-Kit & Boot Bank. It will collect and redistribute sports kit and football boots, helping reduce waste while supporting families.
5. Sundon Park Men’s Shed has also received £3,000 for the Sundon Park Community Garden Club, a project that will create a community growing space designed to improve biodiversity and bring residents together.
6. Love For The Family has been awarded £2,100 for Shop Drop Play. It will redistribute pre-loved children's items, helping reduce household waste while supporting families with young children.

SUEZ had previously provided a further £5,000 to Team Repair, a programme helping young people in local schools learn about sustainability and the importance of repair and reuse.

The Better Luton Environment Fund was created using income from the council's reuse shops, where unwanted items are resold rather than thrown away.

The fund is designed to support grassroots projects that provide environmental benefits for local communities, the projects are expected to begin over the coming months, with activities taking place across Luton.