Wonder Day visitors come in their droves to learn about waste.
Over 850 visitors attended the Southwark Integrated Waste Management Facility’s ‘Wonder day’, which opened its doors for its annual event on Saturday. The event which is part of the Open House Weekend, was deemed a ‘quirky day out’ by Time Out magazine, provided a rare insight into the fascinating journey waste takes to become either recycled or turned into a green energy resource.
Fabrice Bouchon General Manager for Veolia Southwark said, ‘It has been an incredible day, this event is now in its fourth year and I believe it’s been the best so far. The children have loved the R3cycle robot, wild bird display and the junk orchestra and many people have told us how interesting and thought provoking the site tour was. I am very proud of the staff that took part and it was a pleasure to see so many people enthused by waste and recycling’.
Councillor Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for environment and public realm, said: “I’m pleased that so many people came along to discover the wonderful and exciting world of recycling. I look forward to seeing many more next year.”
Other attractions included a display of the vehicles used onsite, a recycling bales display, face painting, the interactive Recycling Discovery Centre that welcomed children and adults to learn about materials and the lifecycle and origin of materials.
Another popular part of the day was an ‘ask the experts’ panel where visitors could quiz environmental experts on all matters concerning recycling and how we are using waste as a resource. The panel was made up of Fabrice Bouchon the General Manager, Julie Angulo the sites Plant Manager and Rachel Butler the Communications Manager.
There were also lots of prizes given out through raffles and quizzes and £455 was raised for FoodCycle.
Here is what visitors to the site had to say:
Lene Milaa from Tower Hamlets, ‘This kind of event informs about what goes on behind the scene of recycling and brings the message home. There should be more open events like this!’
Susan McIwaly from Highgate, ‘I was apprehensive about coming but glad I did the work that goes into recycling…Amazing!’
Mary from Tower Hamlets, ‘Fascinating to watch, had no idea how clever the facility is.’
Elly Goldsmith from Lewisham, ‘Everything I dreamed it would be and more.’
John Manson from Crystal Palace, ‘The visit was incredible. I will recycle the story of my visit to all my friends for years to come.’