Waste strategy for Southwark
In consultation with residents, our overarching waste strategy document (PDF, 1.9mb) was published in 2003, detailing the policies and strategies for dealing with our waste right through to 2021.
Against the backdrop of low recycling rates, high growth in the amount of waste produced, and limited space and increased costs for landfilling, the council needed a long term strategy that would look to:
- lower the amount of waste produced
- make it easier for residents to recycle, and increase our recycling rate
- build a new waste facility to deal with all our waste in a way that minimises the impact on the environment, and supports local communities and the local economy
Partnership with Veolia Environmental Services
To help deliver the council's strategic goals, in 2008 we entered into a 25 year contract with Veolia Environmental Services.
Under the terms of the contract, Veolia undertake all our waste and recycling collection, treatment and disposal operations.
In addition, a state of the art integrated waste management facility is now in operation on the Old Kent Road, and is being operated by Veolia. It is providing the required improvement in waste infrastructure identified by the council in its 2003 strategy.
The new facility plays a central role in helping to reduce the impact that Southwark's waste has on the environment. It is facilitating a significant improvement in the borough's recycling levels as well as diverting most of the waste that would previously have gone to landfill.
Page last updated: 17 November 2017
