Environment minister Jeff Rooker announced funding this month of £3 million for voluntary and community bodies dealing with waste management. 15 bodies have so far been offered funding from the new Community Waste Innovation Fund (CWIF), which will bring together people from all walks of life with the single goal of making a difference to the environment through strengthening involvement in minimising Northern Ireland's waste. The CWIF was launched back in March 2005 and will run over a three year period. Some of the successful applicants so far include a waste vegetable oil recycling and bio-diesel refining plant, an educational programme for primary school children to promote and create awareness of waste management, an electrical components disassembly plant and a collection service and "drop-off" area for the public to dispose of unwanted items for reuse and recycling.
