Photo shows successful grant applicants from the first round of funding.
Release date: 15 September 2026
The Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund, first launched in 2025, is set to return in 2027 following the success of its initial round of funding, which helped community groups develop creative ways to reduce household waste and keep materials in use for longer across West Sussex.
Applications open on Tuesday 22 September, and an online information session will be held on the evening of Thursday 1 October to help potential applicants learn more about the fund and the application process.
The new fund, provided by West Sussex County Council in partnership with Biffa, will support non-profit organisations to deliver new, or expanded-upon, waste prevention and re-use initiatives that benefit local communities across West Sussex.
The fund can support a wide range of organisations, including community groups, residents' associations, charities, community interest companies and social enterprises.
Funding was awarded to 10 community groups in June 2025, enabling them to deliver practical and creative projects that reduced household waste and promoted re-use. One example is the Makerspace Repair Café in Bognor Regis, where expert volunteers hosted monthly sessions helping residents repair items such as electricals and garden tools rather than replace them. The project diverted 563kg of material from disposal and helped 286 residents, encouraging repair and re-use while extending the life of everyday possessions.
The results of all 10 projects, published in July 2026, demonstrated the significant impact of the programme, with more than 90 tonnes of material diverted from disposal. This included textiles, food, furniture, electrical items and other household goods, highlighting the important role community organisations can play in reducing waste across West Sussex.
Building on this success, grants of up to £5,000 will be available for projects delivered in West Sussex across the 12-month period from February 2027 to February 2028. There is no minimum funding amount, and applications are invited from organisations whose projects will help prevent household waste, keep valuable materials in use for longer and encourage lasting behaviour change.
Projects should demonstrate how they will benefit residents, improve people's lives and create a lasting legacy beyond the funding period.
Councillor Natasha Davie, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, said: "The success of the first Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund shows the incredible difference local organisations can make when they are given the support to bring their ideas to life.
"Together, the funded projects diverted more than 90 tonnes of material from disposal while helping residents access practical, sustainable solutions within their communities. From reducing food waste to extending the life of household items, these initiatives have shown how small actions can have a significant impact.
"The fund is also a great example of the council listening to communities and supporting them to deliver their own solutions. By working alongside residents and community groups, we can deliver lasting environmental benefits that reflect local priorities and needs.
"We are delighted to bring the fund back in 2027 and look forward to supporting even more innovative projects that reduce waste, encourage re-use and help build a more sustainable future for West Sussex."
Susie Chasmar, Biffa West Sussex Contracts Director, added: "At Biffa, we are committed to helping communities reduce waste and make better use of the resources they already have. The success of the projects funded through the first Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund demonstrates how local organisations can inspire practical action and create lasting environmental benefits.
"We are proud to continue our partnership with West Sussex County Council and look forward to supporting a new round of projects in 2027. We would particularly encourage projects related to the reduction of battery, vapes and other electrical items in waste due to the focus in our industry on reducing fires. But we welcome all ideas to reduce waste, strengthen communities and build a more sustainable future for West Sussex."
To find out more and apply, visit Waste Prevention Community Grant Fund - Success stories - West Sussex County Council.
