EMERGE 3Rs

Who we are

Launched in 2009, EMERGE 3Rs is a registered charity which exists to improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of local people, first and foremost in Greater Manchester. We do this by promoting the understanding and practice of the real ‘3Rs’ of sustainable resource and waste management – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

It incorporates three operational strands: our sister social enterprise EMERGE Recycling, Touch Wood (a reclaimed timber workshop), and the Greater Manchester arm of national charity FareShare, which redistributes donated surplus food to community groups, schools and voluntary sector bodies who use food to alleviate poverty.

We want to create a world in which the real 3Rs are second nature, and people cherish and innately value resources, nobody goes hungry and food is used for good rather than being wasted.

EMERGE 3Rs grew out of EMERGE Recycling, our original social enterprise which has been a leading pioneer of sustainable waste and recycling services in Greater Manchester since 1998.
A proportion of the proceeds of EMERGE Recycling are channelled back into the charity, where they are put to work to further support the wider community and our shared environment.

Based on New Smithfield Market in Openshaw, we place great importance on playing a positive role in the lives of local people. Through the ‘EMERGE Group’ of charitable activities we are able to provide employment, work experience, training and volunteering opportunities for people from a diverse range of backgrounds and personal circumstances.

We have gained many accolades and awards for social enterprise, volunteering and sustainability over the years, accompanied by regular media coverage and the support of notable citizens including sporting stars, celebrity chefs and high-ranking politicians. In 2013, we were honoured to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.