Transforming Derwent London’s Waste Solutions Through Waste Segregation

Derwent London and Recorra implemented a range of initiatives to boost recycling, reduce contamination, and engage tenants, cleaners, and building managers:

• Identified areas where waste was not being segregated correctly and delivered targeted engagement.
• Introduced the Recorra Circular Box to capture soft and flexible plastics, recycling them in the UK into stormboard building materials.
• Created recycling guides for catering and cleaning teams, and launched a colour-coded waste management scheme with new bins and strong visual signage (particularly helpful for non-native English speakers).
• Strengthened engagement through waste audits, tenant floor walks, awareness days, green meetings, review meetings with building managers and tenants, and cleaner training.
• In 2024, focused on 7 key buildings with tailored initiatives such as Lunch & Learns, Waste Composition Analysis, Recycling Improvement Strategies, and Awareness Stands, achieving a 10–15% improvement in recycling rates.
• Created a bespoke A–Z Recycling Guide outlining sustainability aims, relevant waste legislation, and best practice for recycling.
• Partnered with the sustainable procurement team to purchase reusable coffee cups, reducing single-use plastics.
• Transitioned from co-mingled mixed recycling to source separation of materials: food waste, coffee beans, cardboard, glass, paper, coffee cups, and bulky items (fluorescent tubes, batteries, electrical equipment).
• Closed the loop by buying Image paper made from their own recycled wastepaper, reducing carbon emissions, saving trees, and conserving water.