Ever WONDERED what happens to your recycling?
Southwark's FREE fun-filled, family-friendly Wonder Day is back on Saturday 16th September 2023, 10am - 4pm
As Veolia celebrates its 170th anniversary this year, the Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility opens its doors to the public to reveal how far we’ve come with innovative solutions to deliver ecological transformation for two million residents in London.
Join us for Wonder Day, in conjunction with Open House London, to see our Integrated Waste Management Facility sort recycling using the latest innovations, and meet some of the amazing experts that work behind the scenes. Tours of the facility will be taking place throughout the day to give you an insight into how your waste is actually a valuable resource that can help us to build a sustainable future.
This is the first Wonder Day since 2019 therefore we’re expecting more visitors than ever, tour time slots are limited and assigned on a first come first served basis. Please arrive early to avoid any disappointment. Tour restrictions also apply, please read the information below to prepare for your visit.
In addition to the tours there will be lots of entertainment for the whole family including…
- Vehicle display show
- Upcycling and craft workshops: glass painting and kaleidoscope making with reclaimed materials
- Community Cycle Works repair stall - providing a free basic service/safety checks
- Walworth Garden plant sale
- Vehicle display show
- Bouncy castle
- Face painting
- Games to keep little and big kids entertained
- Junk Orchestra
- Information stalls
- Food and refreshments available to purchase
Preparing for your visit
If you are planning to go on a tour, you must ensure you read the following:
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Anyone with a pacemaker is unable to attend a tour due to machinery which will interfere with the pacemaker function which could be fatal.
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Sensible footwear must be worn or you will not be permitted on the tour (no open toe shoes, high heels, sandals or flip flops).
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Children must be taller than 137cm tall and fit into a hard hat to go onto the recycling tour.
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For smaller children who fit into a child's hard hat, there are two kids tours at 12:15pm and 12:35pm when the facility is not operating.
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All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and no more than two children per adult.
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Unfortunately those who are unable to walk unaided (i.e. need a guide or walking stick) will not be able to attend a tour. A virtual tour will be available in the education area for those unable to attend.
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For those with hearing aids, the tour includes an audio guide and hearing protection that we will test to ensure it works with your hearing device before you can go on the tour.
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PPE will be provided and must be worn.
Southwark Wonder Day is located at the Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility, 43 Devon Street (just off Old Kent Road), London, SE15 1PD
Please note there will be no car parking available onsite or on the approach road. As part of our sustainable travel initiative, in collaboration with Transport for London (TFL) and Southwark Council we are proud to promote the many ways you can reach us. If you live close by please consider arriving on foot or by bike (bicycle parking will be available on site). If you are travelling by public transport please see the options below:
Buses
The following buses operate along Old Kent Road, with the nearest bus stop to the IWMF being Commercial Way (Stop WB or Stop EP), close to Devon Street.
21 - Newington Green to Lewisham (N21 - 24hr) (via London Bridge)
53 - Waterloo to Plumstead (N53 - 24hr) (via Elephant & Castle)
172 - Aldwych (Drury Lane) to Brockley Rise (via Waterloo Station and Elephant & Castle)
453 - Marylebone to Deptford (24hr) (via Charing Cross and Elephant & Castle)
P12 - Surrey Quays to Brockley Rise (via South Bermondsey Rail)
Trains
Queens Road, Peckham (15 minute walk to site)
South Bermondsey (25 minute walk to site)
New Cross Gate (25 minute walk to site or easily accessible with regular buses)
Underground
Bermondsey - Jubilee Line (Please note, whilst this is the closest Underground station to our site, it is a 32 minute walk).