We’re excited to launch the Eco Communities Refill Scheme, a community-led, not-for-profit initiative helping households across Cheshire reduce single-use plastics while supporting a cleaner, greener future.
What Is the Eco Communities Refill Scheme?
The scheme offers a simple, sustainable way to shop for everyday cleaning and personal care products — without the waste. By refilling your bottles with Fill Refill’s high-quality, eco-certified products, you can help reduce packaging, pollution, and carbon emissions, all while supporting a local, community-driven system.
With many Zero Waste Shops in the region closing, more of us are returning to supermarkets or online deliveries for everyday products.
I personally signed up for a home delivery service during COVID, and I’ve been using it ever since. I don’t trust everything I see on social media, as unlike traditional adverts, claims on platforms like Instagram can be made without evidence. I did check my current products against Fill Refill, and while some of the criticism of my current products seems exaggerated, it’s clear that Fill Refill is much better in terms of hazardous chemicals.
The closure of postal bottle-return services for some toiletries also made me realise that Eco Communities could help fill a small gap left by the lost Zero Waste stores.
Community Feedback
Thanks to the amazing feedback from our recent survey, it’s clear that people across Cheshire care deeply about reducing plastic waste, supporting local action, and having convenient access to eco-friendly products. 95% of respondents said they would definitely or probably use a community refill service, with many expressing enthusiasm for refilling household, laundry, and bathroom essentials.
Why Fill Refill?
We’ve partnered with Fill Refill, an award-winning UK company producing refillable household and laundry products in a zero-waste, closed-loop system. Their range includes everything from washing-up liquid and laundry detergent to surface cleaner and hand soap — all vegan, cruelty-free, and made with biodegradable ingredients.
“Independent
& family run, we make everything at our factory in northamptonshire with real chemists, combining biodegradable ingredients to create simple, modern & effective eco responsible products. No dyes. No harsh chemicals. No waste. Available in returnable
bulk containers & refillable glass bottles, too cool to throw away.
All fill refill products are registered with the vegan trademark & cruelty free approved by leaping bunny. We’re a certified b corporation, registered living wage employer and members of 1% for the planet, donating 1% of turnover to environmental causes.
Single use is over!”
Local, Not-for-Profit, and Built on Community Spirit
As a not-for-profit initiative, every penny we raise after covering costs will be reinvested into the community and used to expand local sustainability projects. This scheme has been shaped by your feedback — survey respondents highlighted that environmental responsibility, local ownership, and trust in sustainable products are what make this kind of service truly appealing.
Why Refill? Why Now?
Plastic waste continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing our planet. By refilling rather than rebuying, each household can save dozens of plastic bottles every year — while supporting local sustainability projects right here in Cheshire.
As one local resident put it:
“Environmentally friendly products, less plastic waste, convenience.”
Another added:
“Environmental and local ownership — that’s what makes it appealing.”
People told us they wanted convenient options (“As your containers empty”) and trusted, sustainable products that align with community values. That’s why we’ve partnered with Fill Refill, whose products are vegan, cruelty-free, biodegradable, and made in a closed-loop system that avoids unnecessary waste.
How We See It Working
Home Delivery
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Order Online: Choose from a range of Fill Refill products for your home, laundry, and bathroom. Your first order will include a reusable bottle.
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Refill, Don’t Replace: Leave your bottle on your doorstep on the agreed date, and we’ll refill it for you.
Community Hubs
We are exploring the option of local community hubs, where you can pay and refill your bottles yourself, offering a flexible, convenient alternative for those who prefer to collect in person.
So far we are looking at the following products:
Our Ask – Please complete your preferences and vote for the name of the scheme. By completing this form you will be entered into our draw to win a Refill Gift Pack and Shrinker
Join the Refill Revolution
By joining the Eco Communities Refill Scheme, you’re not just buying cleaning products — you’re helping to build a more sustainable Cheshire, one refill at a time. Together, we can make convenience and community go hand in hand with caring for the planet.
If you’d like to get involved, volunteer, or sign up for updates, sign up for our newsletter – SIGN UP HERE
