About The Client
Depot Cinema is a proudly independent cinema based in Lewes, East Sussex, sharing its space with a busy restaurant as well as events and education provision. Built on environmentally responsible principles, Depot aims to be a hub for local connection, creativity, and sustainability. As part of its mission, the cinema integrates green values into every aspect of its operation, from architecture to waste management, seeking to lead by example in the cultural and entertainment sector.
Sustainability Features Beyond Waste
The Depot goes far beyond standard sustainability practices:
- Living Roof: The cinema features a green roof, supporting biodiversity and improving insulation.
- Cycling-Friendly: There is ample bike parking available, and staff and visitors are actively encouraged to cycle.
- Sustainable Consumption: Purchasing decisions are made using an environmental and ethical checklist, refurbishing furniture is prioritised and they support local suppliers
- Waste Reduction at Point of Sale: No drinks are sold in single-use plastic, they use reusable product containers across food, drink and janitorial supplies. Customers receive discounts for using refillable cups.
- Water & Paper Conscious: Tap water is promoted via a public water station, and all paper products are FSC certified, EU Eco labelled and/or 100% recycled.
- Digital Over Paper: E-ticketing is encouraged to reduce paper waste.
Initial Challenge
Due to limited space in the bin store and narrow access to the premises, introducing comprehensive waste segregation and collection systems presented logistical difficulties.
Our Solution
To overcome the access and storage issues Recorra implemented a tailored strategy where we:
- Introduced compact, modern collection vehicles with onboard bin-weighing capability for accurate waste tracking.
- Enabled Depot staff to access live data and reports via the Recorra online portal.
- Conducted floor walks and training sessions to support staff understanding of on-site waste handling.
Ongoing Strategy
To further improve recycling and waste reduction, several new initiatives have been introduced this year:
- Annual waste composition analyses help identify waste trends and develop reduction strategies.
- Installation of colour-coded, clearly labelled bins across the venue, including cinema-specific coffee cup bins.
- Introduction of a flexible plastics recycling stream using the Recorra Circular Box, based on audit data showing high snack packaging waste.
Achievements
So far this year, the overall recycling rate has reached 77%, showing steady improvement from 71% in January to 80% by June. In total, 16,786 kg of waste has been recycled, leading to 10 trees saved and 8,785 kg of CO₂ emissions avoided.
Key highlights include:
Seven regular waste streams are collected, including confidential shredding.
Waste coffee grounds are repurposed as biofuel, while food waste is transformed into fertiliser and energy.
All waste is processed within the UK, with only 2% sent to Europe to minimise transportation emissions.
The depot offsets all waste-related carbon emissions through the Mvule Tree Planting Scheme.
Recognition and achievements:
Winner of the Highest Achievement for Commitment at the Creative Green Awards 2020.
Scored 4 out of 5 stars in its first environmental audit by the Cultural Climate Action Organisation.
Here’s what the client had to say:
After undertaking a complete overhaul of our waste contractor service in 2020, we are delighted to be able to choose a local recycling company who really do have sustainability at the heart of their operations and great customer service. Having an online portal to track our recycling rates keeps us in touch with how we’re doing and knowing how and where our waste streams are being processed enables us peace of mind that our waste is not waste after all or causing negative impacts elsewhere.
Looking Ahead
Together, Depot and Recorra are aiming to:
- Exceed a recycling rate of 80%.
- Continue leveraging waste composition data to guide ongoing sustainability strategies.
