Recycling credits

If you are a not-for-profit group that diverts some of Norfolk's household waste from landfill through recycling or composting schemes, you may be eligible for recycling credits.

Not-for-profit groups who can claim recycling credits include:

Charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises
Churches
Guides and Scout groups
Parish councils
Schools
Community organisations

From 1 April 2024, we will pay recycling credits worth £69.97 for each tonne of household waste collected and recycled.

Register your scheme for recycling credits

Your recycling scheme must be registered with Norfolk County Council. Download and complete the registration for approved recycling scheme form (PDF, 204 KB) and return it to CESBSEandP@norfolk.gov.uk

How to set up a scheme

Decide what to collect

Think about the other facilities (eg bottle banks, charity shops) that are already available in your area. What type of collection would benefit your local community?

Consider the value of the materials you are collecting. Do they have a value to a recycling merchant or will you have to pay for them to be taken away? If there is a cost, will it be more than the recycling credit available (will you make a loss?)

Decide where to collect

This could either be on land belonging to you or a consenting landowner. Always seek permission in writing from a consenting landowner and check with your Local Authority to ensure there are no planning restrictions.

The site must be easily accessible by the public, as well as by vehicles servicing the facilities. Space to park cars next to the recycling banks is also useful and makes it easier for those using them.

When choosing a location you must consider health and safety - can the recycling be stored and collected safely?

Arrange collection with a Merchant Recycler

All materials need to be collected by a recycling merchant registered with Norfolk County Council. A full list is available on request.

If you are a Community Composting Scheme, you will also need to register as a Merchant Recycler.

Start collecting

Once you have everything in place you can start collecting. You might like to advertise your scheme in your local community to encourage everyone to get involved.

Remember; the recycling must be from household sources only, not businesses.

Claiming Recycling Credits

When you are ready to submit a claim, download and complete the application for payment of recycling credits form (PDF, 58 KB).

Completed claim forms can be returned via post to the address listed on the form or via email to CESBSEandP@norfolk.gov.uk

Please ensure your claims are accompanied by weight evidence such as weighbridge tickets.

Further information and contact details

Recycling banks are managed by the land owner. Charities and other voluntary organisations collecting recyclable materials themselves from households need to register for an exemption with the Environment Agency as a Professional Collector and Dealer. Please contact the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or visit GOV.UK's page on registering or renewing as a waste carrier, broker or dealer (opens new window).

If you have any queries regarding Recycling Credits or would like further information such as planning advice or tips on how to make a scheme sustainable, you can contact Norfolk County Council.