Until recently, all of this - about 10,000 tonnes a year,  including the debris which ends up at treatment works like wet wipes and cotton buds. went to landfill. With the support of partner MTS, which has opened a state-of-the-art recycling plant at its depot in Hoo, Kent, it is all now recycled into compost.

 

In addition, since July, no waste from the company's  works or offices has been sent to landfill, putting it among the industry leaders in this area. 

 

Southern Water’s Waste & Recycling Manager Nigel Heward said: 

 

“This is a huge achievement which we’re determined to make normal practice. We’ve long had a desire to be greener when it comes to recycling and this puts us among the class leaders.

 

“Of course, we’d prefer it if some of these things didn’t end up in the network in the first place as they can block sewers causing huge problems before they even reach our treatment works. But it is reassuring to know that all the ‘unflushable’ items collected at our sites are now not going to landfill.”