A PIONEERING recycling scheme has been recognised in the Wales Green List.

Llandudno Junction based Crest Co-operative is the driving force behind the first recycling partnership of its kind in the UK. The organisation, which operates as a social
enterprise, has created a sustainable model in partnership with Pennaf Housing
Association and hopes to encourage other housing associations to follow suit.

Rod Williams, Crest's Operations Manager with Minister for the Environment John Griffiths

During a Wales Green List ceremony held in Cardiff earlier this month, Welsh Minister for the Environment John Griffiths, praised Crest’s innovative partnership. The scheme involves clearing, painting and decorating unoccupied properties and working with Pennaf Housing Association to avoid landfill. The project has already created job placements for unemployed people across Conwy and Denbighshire. Mr Griffiths recognised the simplicity of the project and hoped Crest’s success would encourage other Welsh housing associations to support the scheme.

Unwanted household items collected from the unoccupied properties are sold at low prices to the public at Crest Community Store in Llandudno Junction and at the newly opened store on Station Road, Colwyn Bay.

Rod Williams, Operations Manager at Crest Co-operative said: “Our aim is to engage with the local community. We are currently looking at a number of initiatives with the view to move towards zero waste and we are looking forward to continue our work with other housing associations in order to encourage re-use before recycling, thereby creating a lower carbon footprint.

“By increasing employment levels and ensuring properties are
occupied, we can build strong communities. The scheme urges housing
associations to avoid landfill and use third sector services and encourages the
community to purchase re-used and recycled goods,” he added.