Veolia Southwark’s fun, free and family-friendly Wonder Day is back on Saturday 16 September

23 August 2023

As Veolia celebrates its 170th anniversary this year, the Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility opens its doors to the public to reveal how far they’ve come with innovative solutions to deliver ecological transformation for two million residents in London.

For all those who have ever wondered what happens to their household recycling and rubbish, on Saturday 16 September, there will be an opportunity to find out. The doors of Veolia Southwark’s Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) will be open to the public for a day of fun and informative entertainment.

Just off the Old Kent Road, the IWMF is home to Veolia’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), one of the largest in the UK. Visitors will have the opportunity to take a tour inside and talk with industry-leading experts as well as frontline staff who are committed to transforming household waste
materials into valuable resources. Tours are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis so be sure to arrive early if you want to secure your spot. Some restrictions apply so be sure to check out veolia.co.uk/southwark/wonderday before you go.

Visitors can also expect free activities to keep the whole family entertained. From community gardens selling plants and offering care advice to bike fixing and craft workshops. Community groups from across the whole borough will come together to showcase everything Southwark is doing to tackle the climate crisis.

Veolia Southwark’s Wonder Day is run as part of Open House London, an annual event that celebrates the city’s housing, architecture and neighbourhoods. For two weeks each year, sites across London take part in the Open House Festival, granting rare glimpses into some of the capital’s best-kept secrets.

Matthew Crane, Veolia Southwark Regional Manager, said: “I look forward to welcoming the public to our facility for the first time in four years. Wonder Day is an opportunity for the public to witness our state-of-the-art Integrated Waste Management Facility in action with all of the recycling processes we have developed in 170 years of Veolia’s rich history. It will also highlight the dedication of our frontline colleagues who transform around 120,000 tonnes of household waste into valuable resources every year. Together with Southwark Council and Open House London, we will celebrate the journey of ecological transformation, and help to educate our visitors about the importance of sustainable waste management.”

Cllr James McAsh, Southwark Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Streets and Clean Air, said: “Currently, 32 per cent of Southwark’s waste is recycled. We have one of the highest recycling rates in central London but we still have a way to go. It is estimated that 70 per cent of what we throw away as rubbish is actually recyclable! We look forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to demonstrate part of the recycling process and inspire people to recycle more and better.”

Wonder Day
Southwark IWMF
Saturday 16 September 10am - 4pm
43 Devon Street, SE15 1AL

Tours of the facility are assigned on a first come first served basis and will begin at 10am

For more information on Wonder Day and how to access the facility please visit: veolia.co.uk/southwark/wonderday
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Page last updated: 23 August 2023