CWM Environment Trust

In 1999, CWM helped to create the Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust (CWMET) to administer the Landfill Tax donations from Cumbria Waste Management and Lakeland Waste Management.  Some of the types of projects that were made possible thanks, in part, to donations from CWMET include:

The Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust logo

  • River bank enhancement
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Play areas
  • Recreational facilities
  • Village hall repairs
  • Church yard improvements
  • Furniture recycling schemes
  • Footpath enhancements
  • Disabled access leaflet
  • Science festivals

In 1996 the Government introduced Landfill Tax on waste disposed at landfill sites. Whilst this placed an unwelcome burden on waste producers, it presented an opportunity for landfill operators who were prepared to donate to environmental projects.  Up to 20% of landfill tax collected can be donated to environmental projects providing the landfill operator or a third party adds an extra 2% to the donation.

CWM maximised its donations from day one, contributing the extra 2% itself. In the first two years of the scheme we donated £1 million, supporting over 100 projects in the communities around our landfill sites. 

By helping to create CWMET we have made a long-term commitment to donating landfill tax in Cumbria. Our donations often get ideas put into action that would otherwise have remained on the drawing board. Our funding levers in five times as much external funding on average, bringing the total value of projects made possible up to £4 million per annum. Landfill Tax provides a superb opportunity for sections of the community and we are happy to play our part.

CWMET is professionally run and widely regarded as one of the best examples of landfill tax trust in the country. The Trust's philosophy is to involve a diverse range of interest groups to select the best projects in Cumbria. A grants panel, including applications and makes recommendations to the Trust's Board for approval.

CWMET is administered by a full time Environmental Trust office. If you have any ideas for projects or would just like to know more then please contact us.

Contact Us

Postal address:

CWM Environment Trust
The Old Stables
Redhills
Penrith
Cumbria
CA11 0DT

Email: enquiries@cwmet.org.uk
Tel: (01768) 242140
Fax: (01768) 242140
Web: www.cwmet.org.uk