AN innovative new project which could see Malton and Norton play a pioneering role in reducing waste has been launched.

Circular Malton is a pilot project which is aiming to create a carbon-neutral circular economy to benefit local businesses, residents and the environment.

Sue Jefferson, deputy chairman of the Local Enterprise Partnership for York, North Yorkshire and East Yorkshire’s (LEP) Business Board, said the aim was to create initiatives that everyone could take part in.

“People are now much more aware of climate change and the environment and want to do their bit,” she said.

“The idea of a circular economy is bringing people together so that waste is recycled to benefit the local area.”

Sue, who lives in Malton, said: “Many people in Malton and Norton are already very good at doing different things to reuse waste.

“The aim is to bring these people together, including residents, businesses and the local council, to work together and create something to benefit the area now and into the future.

“Advantages include more investment, a cleaner environment, new jobs and new skills. Hopefully this will also benefit young people and encourage them to stay in the area rather than moving away.”

Sue said: “One very exciting idea will see Malton test and optimise the concept of a community anaerobic digester.

“Using the food waste that already exists in the town, as Yorkshire’s food capital, along with biowaste from schools, farms, racing stables and food manufacturers, the intent is to

first collect, then convert this in order to supply energy, heating and fuel transport for the town itself.”

Sue said that interest and support had already been expressed by people in the community with a steering group of 10 established, including residents and representatives of Norton and Malton town councils.

“Local businesses and initiatives are already leading the way, including Refill Malton and Ryedale Free Fridge, which offers surplus fresh food of all types to the whole community, redistributing one tonne in their first 10 weeks,” she said.

“Wold Top Brewery makes beer from waste bread, Kemps General Stores uses green energy and sells a range of biodegradable alternative to plastic products and Cosy Cottage Soaps, a recent new business to Malton, makes personal care products without plastic.

“The next step is for Circular Malton to secure funding to realise these mind-set changing initiatives.

“The team has been fully involved in the LEP’s November’s Circular Yorkshire month, gathering business case studies with the intent to create awareness and understanding of the circular economy.

“People want to make a difference and that can happen by everyone making one change.

“We now want to hear from local residents and encourage them to get on board and share their ideas and initiatives and help to create Circular Malton and Norton.”

For more information about the project follow them on Twitter at @CircularMalton or go to businessinspiredgrowth.com/circularmaltonnorton/