Empowering people to make a difference

Powering action in our communities

With the help of City to Sea, Greater Manchester is working collectively with communities and businesses across Greater Manchester, to reduce single-use plastics in our city-region. We want to make living with less plastic easier, where everyone in Greater Manchester can choose to reuse and refill wherever they shop, eat and drink.

We’re all about championing the impact that individuals and local communities can have when they unite behind a shared mission and vision for change. We already have a number of great community refill schemes operating in Greater Manchester, but we need more people to get involved and help create lasting change in the communities where they live and work.

Refill Community led schemes are run by organised and passionate individuals. They help to promote Refill in their local area and connect people to free-drinking water and alternative options for eating, living and shopping plastic free. Our communities are fundamental in helping us to create long lasting change.

What does a Community led Refill Scheme do?

The role of a Community led Refill Scheme is to establish the campaign in your local area, signing up Refill Stations and mapping the places where people can access free tap water, get a coffee in a reusable coffee cup, or find shops with zero waste and packaging-free options. These businesses could be anything from high-street chains and businesses like Costa Coffee, to local zero-waste shops, bakeries, greengrocers, cafes, bars, retail outlets or even a local park.

You’ll also engage your local community, and sign post them to the Refill app to help them live with less plastic. 

Resources and Support

If you are interested in joining our Refill Communities in Greater Manchester, City to Sea can provide you with the tools, knowledge and training so you feel confident in championing Refill on the ground!

  • Guidance on all things refill and reuse
  • Access to the dedicated communities hub
  • Support with approaching local businesses
  • Comprehensive digital toolkit, posters and stickers
  • Dedicated Refill community page on the Refill website
  • Brand and press guidance
  • Free online training sessions
  • Monthly newsletter

How to join our Refill Communities in Greater Manchester

It’s easy to start your journey to becoming a Refill Community in Greater Manchester. Simply fill in the Expression of Interest Form on the Refill website, telling us why you are interested in becoming a Refill Community and what area you will be covering to promote Refill. City to Sea will be in touch to arrange an initial call with you to check in and make sure you’ve had the opportunity to ask any questions.

Expression of Interest Form

Spotlight on some of our local refill schemes

Refill Ramsbottom

Refill Ramsbottom, run by Plastic Free Rammy, started in Ramsbottom with the support of Eunomia, United Utilities, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Bury Council. The community now has a permanent outdoor water bottle Refill Station, which gives the residents and visitors an additional way to top up while out and about in town.

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Refill Altrincham

Welcome to Refill Altrincham. On the map since well before the thirteenth century, today Altrincham is the epitome of the modern market town, boasting high quality shopping, a growing reputation for excellent food and drink, a strong leisure sector and a revitalised market.

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Refill Tameside

 The Refill scheme in Tameside run by Tameside Food Partnership and Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council helps to extend the commitment to environmental sustainability to the broader public. As well as providing a great way for residents to practice these principles by cutting down on the wasteful culture of single-use plastics.  

 

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