020 7001 60006th June 2008:
Bywaters' cutting edge Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) has been opened by new London Mayor Boris Johnson and Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales.
With an input capacity of up to 250,000 tonnes of dry recyclables per year, it is the largest undercover dry recyclables MRF in the capital and is just a few miles from Canary Wharf and the City.
The opening of the MRF comes just days after Mr Johnson agreed to chair the London Waste and Recycling Board and promised to champion recycling in London.
Mr Johnson said: "On this World Environment Day I am raising the bar for Londoners and encouraging them to make the effort to recycle more - both in their homes and at work. The capital's businesses are keen to be greener and recycle more of their waste, but we need to be able to meet this growing demand. I am delighted to be in the East End today opening this huge new recycling plant. This state-of-the-art facility is a welcome boost to my own goal of sending less rubbish to landfill and making London a world leader in recycling."
Sharing the platform with Mr Johnson at the MRF launch was Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales.
He said: "As a borough, Newham is committed to minimising the impact on the environment and lowering the use of landfill. Bywaters being here will help the business community and residents do just that. It is a great privilege to open the new facility."
Owned and run by family firm Bywaters, the MRF is part of a major £30million relocation project to a 9.2 acre site in Bow, east London. The building at Lea Riverside covers more than 187,000 square feet and is able to operate in all weather conditions, with materials remaining dry as well as secure.
Michael Schumacher, Environmental System Manager, Canary Wharf Management Limited said: "Bywaters has been working in partnership with Canary Wharf Management since 1989. Having such an impressive facility just a few miles away is fundamental in keeping Canary Wharf at the forefront of recycling and sustainability and demonstrates how Bywaters continually innovates to offer the best service to its customers."
The development of the new site followed Bywaters' relocation in 2006 to make way for the 2012 Olympic Games. The company worked closely with the London Development Agency to identify suitable sites and plan a staggered relocation.
