The new depot has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating a range of environmentally-friendly features.
Sutton Council has officially opened its new waste depot in Beddington, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in the borough’s waste and street cleaning services. The depot, located at Therapia Lane, is part of the council’s new waste and street cleaning contract with Veolia. This state-of-the-art facility is set to improve waste management across the borough, offering residents and businesses a more efficient, sustainable, and responsive service.
The new depot has been designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating a range of environmentally-friendly features. These include solar panels to reduce energy consumption and electric vehicle charging stations for the council’s fleet of street cleaning vehicles. The design also integrates plants and greenery, which will not only enhance the aesthetics of the area but also improve biodiversity and drainage, contributing to a cleaner, greener environment.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Sutton, the Leader of the Council, and the Lead Member for the Environment, along with council and Veolia staff. This newly built depot will serve as the central hub for Sutton’s waste collection, recycling services, and street cleaning operations. It will house the council’s fleet of vehicles and provide a base for the crews responsible for keeping the borough clean and tidy.
One of the key benefits of the new depot is the significant reduction in vehicle emissions. Previously, waste and street cleaning vehicles had to travel to depots in Croydon and Merton, but now, with a dedicated facility in Sutton, these vehicles can operate more efficiently, reducing travel times and carbon emissions. Notably, the depot will also accommodate the council’s first-ever electric street cleaning vehicles, marking an important step forward in the council’s efforts to tackle climate change.
Under the new waste and street cleaning contract, Sutton residents and businesses will see several improvements to services. The contract is designed to be resident-focused, with particular attention paid to the needs of those living in flats above shops. The council is also prioritising waste reduction and reuse, encouraging residents to recycle more effectively, and responding quickly to issues reported by the community.
Street cleaning services will be enhanced, with a focus on swiftly removing waste bags from the streets, tackling spillages, and responding to instances of fly-tipping. The contract also includes a strong emphasis on sustainability, with the use of cleaner fuels, smaller electric street cleaning vehicles, and initiatives to reduce food waste and recycling contamination.
Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Lead Member for the Environment at Sutton Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the new depot, stating, “The Therapia Lane depot shows how the Council is investing in the future and focusing on what residents tell us they want: cleaner streets, faster responses, and action on climate change. Having a dedicated Sutton base will cut travel times, reduce emissions, and make Sutton a greener place.”
Pascal Hauret, Managing Director for Veolia Municipal, added, “We are proud to launch our new eight-year contract with Sutton Council at the brand-new Therapia Lane depot. This new facility will provide a more efficient street cleansing and waste collection service, increase recycling levels, and help decarbonise the borough. We look forward to supporting Sutton’s priorities for a sustainable future.”
The new depot represents a significant step towards a cleaner, greener Sutton. It is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to improving waste services and tackling climate change, ensuring that the borough remains a great place to live for generations to come.
This facility, with its focus on sustainability and efficiency, will not only benefit the local community but also play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of waste management in Sutton.
