Waste into energy
Waste that cannot be recycled is treated at a state-of-the art energy from waste facility in Beddington, Sutton.
It’s very important to us that residents have faith in their local recycling and waste management systems.
We work with our commercial partners to offer tours of local recycling and waste treatment facilities. Whether you’re an interested individual, a member of a local community group or a teacher looking to organise a school visit, please use the contact details below to make the necessary arrangements.
Southwark Materials Recycling facility (MRF)
Operated by: Veolia
What happens there: This is where some of the mixed recycling (plastics, glass, cans and cartons) from the SLWP boroughs is sent to be sorted by machines and by hand.
Location: London SE15
Tours: Tours of the Southwark MRF for SLWP residents are taking place on the dates below. Spaces are limited and bookings are made on a first-come-first-serve basis. Visitors must be 16+ and live in one of the four SLWP boroughs (Croydon, Kingston, Merton and Sutton). Please click on the date of interest and fill out the short online form to express an interest in visiting:
Thursday 28 March 2024 (2.30pm – 4.30pm)Friday 14 June 2024 (2.30-4.30pm)Friday 20 September 2024 (2.30-4.30pm)– fully booked- Friday 13 December 2024 (2.30-4.30pm)
Beddington Energy Recovery Facility
Operated by: Viridor
What happens there: All of the SLWP’s non-recyclable rubbish is sent here for treatment. The high-tech facility burns the waste in strictly controlled conditions, producing enough electricity to power 60,000 homes. it’s a safe, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to landfill.
Location: Beddington, Sutton
Tours: Virtual tours (featuring video taken from inside the facility) can be taken via the dedicated Beddington ERF website: www.beddington.info In-person tours of the facility itself are taking place for SLWP residents on the following dates:
Tuesday 5 March 2024: 10am – 12:30pmThursday 16 May 2024: 10am – 12:30pmThursday 20 June 2024: 10am – 12:30pm– fully booked- Wednesday 10 July 2024: 10am – 12:30pm
- Tuesday 17 September 2024: 10am – 12:30pm
- Wednesday 16 October 2024: 10am – 12:30pm
- Thursday 21 November 2024: 10am – 12:30pm
- Wednesday 4 December 2024: 10am – 12:30pm
Spaces are limited (10 per visit) and bookings are made on a first-come-first-serve basis. To express an interest in visiting, please send an email (stating your preferred date) to: beddingtonerfeducation@
Additional tour dates for group visits (e.g. school visits, community groups etc.) can be arranged on request.
It’s very important to us that residents have faith in their local recycling and waste management systems.
The Beddington ERF
The Waste Hierarchy
Most preferred environmental option
Reducing waste is the most preferred option. Minimising the amount of waste we produce in the first place is by far the most effective way of reducing the impact we have on the environment.
When waste is created, the waste hierarchy prioritises reuse. Where possible, reusing products and materials before it becomes waste is the next best option. By cleaning, repairing and refurbishing items, we can significantly increase the number of things we reuse.
Recycling is the most environmentally sustainable solution when it comes to disposing of waste. Recycling essentially turns our waste into new items or products, reducing the amount of raw materials required.
For waste that can’t be re-used or recycled, energy recovery is the next best option. Energy from waste is the process of incinerating non-recyclable waste to produce electricity. It helps to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels for power generation and decreases carbon emissions.
At the bottom of the waste hierarchy is the least desirable option: disposal. This is when waste is either sent to landfill or treated in an older-style incinerator that doesn’t recover energy from the process. Disposal should always be the last resort for waste.
Least preferred environmental option
