The Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility is a feat of modern design and engineering. Built to deal with over 200,000 tonnes of waste annually, the facility separates the whole of Southwark’s mixed recycling ready to be turned into something new. All black bag waste from the borough is brought to the facility and is turned into a low carbon fuel which provides energy to the National Grid and is responsible for heating five large housing estates.
The facility will be open to the public between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 20 September and visitors will have the opportunity to:
- Witness the latest technology in action as recyclable materials collected from households and businesses are sorted
- See how black bag waste is treated to create a low carbon fuel ready to heat the homes of local residents
- Get up close and personal with some big and powerful machines at our vehicle display
- Find out what design features make it possible for the facility to meet all environmental standards and win notable industry recognised awards
- Learn more about materials and where they come from in our fun and interactive education centre, designed by the people who brought you Launch Pad at the Science Museum.
- Win a trip for two to Paris as part of a competition to raise money for the children’s charity, Evelina.
This is an event for the whole family, other entertainment includes a bouncy castle, face painting and children’s games along with refreshments which are provided free of charge.
Events details
Saturday 20 September
10am to 4pm
Tours every 15 minutes
Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility
43 Devon Street
London SE15 1AL
Fabrice Bouchon, General Manager for Veolia in Southwark said: “Visit our facility and you will never think about waste in the same way again. What we have built on the Old Kent Road is a ground breaking development in the way waste is managed. It’s a subject that affects us all and I challenge anyone to visit us and not be surprised and amazed by what they discover. Last year over 500 people came to our Wonder Day, this year we hope that even more residnets and families come along to enjoy this fun day.”
Councillor Darren Merrill, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Environment, said "As well as this being a fantastic opportunity for the community to see an extraordinary piece of engineering technology at work, the tour of the plant also gives a greater understanding of how this vast facility turns Southwark's waste into usable resources and diverts the borough's refuse and old junk away from landfill. There's also a fun educational facility on site which helps children and adults learn more about the huge benefits effective recycling and waste management has on the environment."
Facility tours will take place throughout the day and wiill take place on a first come, first served basis. If you are keen to take a tour please note that you will not be able to go on a tour if you are wearing high heels or open toe shoes. All children must be over 7 years of age to be part of a tour. All children up to the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult with no more than two children per adult. Finally, everyone must be able-bodied enough (without the aid of a walking stick) as there are quite a few steps to climb inside the facility.
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Contacts
Rachel Jay
Communications Project Manager
Southwark
Veolia Environmental Services (UK) Plc.
Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility
43 Devon Street,
London.
SE15 1AL.
Tel: +44(0)20 3567 2600
DD: +44(0)20 3567 2621
Fax: +44(0)20 3567 2601
E: [email protected]