The community waste sector comprises charities, community groups and not for profit businesses and works at neighbourhood, local, regional and national levels, delivering a huge variety of services to communities through waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting projects and provides both permanent and voluntary employment to a wide range of people.

The sector is able to assist local authorities in meeting their household waste reuse, recycling and composting targets, whilst providing additional local community benefits including:

• income and profits being retained and invested in the local economy
• work and training opportunities
• affordable goods and services for people in local communities
• a reduction in CO2 emissions and the amount of local pollution

The York and North Yorkshire Waste Partnership recognises the contribution made by the sector in delivering reuse, recycling and composting activities and how the sector contributes to the economy and social wellbeing of the area.

Across York and North Yorkshire there are many community or charity run projects reusing or recycling items ranging from textiles and furniture to bikes and tools.

Community groups or charities carrying out reuse or recycling activities across North Yorkshire can benefit from reuse and recycling credits if they divert either reusable goods or recyclable waste from landfill.

The York and North Yorkshire Waste Partnership's community reuse fund is also available to community groups and charities across York and North Yorkshire to set up or improve reuse schemes.