A day out: Where does Hackney’s waste go?

On 3 September 2025, Hackney Society members hopped on buses, trains, and bikes and headed to the North London Waste Authority’s (NLWA) EcoPark in Enfield–Edmonton – the site where Hackney’s waste is reduced, reused, and recycled.

The EcoPark has recently undergone a £1.5bn transformation, replacing outdated 1970s infrastructure with modern facilities designed to meet the needs of a 21st-century population.

Recycling is an ongoing challenge in Hackney, as in many densely populated inner London boroughs. In 2021/22, recycling rates stood at just 29%, but new projects are underway to push that figure higher, as highlighted in The Mayor of London’s Reduction and Recycling Plan (April 2023–March 2025).

The visit began at 10am with an introduction to the North London Heat and Power Project – the ambitious programme behind the new energy centre, reuse facilities, and education initiatives. From there, members stepped into the working heart of the site.

Donning protective gear, the group toured the tipping hall, control room, and the new Reuse and Recycling Centre. A highlight was watching the Energy Centre in action, where everyday rubbish is converted into heat and power, and seeing the Big Yellow Grabber at work (pictured).

The morning concluded with a lively Q&A, giving members the chance to get into the details around how the NLWA is planning for a greener, more sustainable future.

“It was fascinating, and confronting, seeing what happens to our waste – it really opened my eyes to what I can do better at home,” said one attendee.

This was the latest in our series of outings connecting Hackney residents with the often-unseen infrastructure that shapes their daily lives – and it certainly won’t be the last.

If you’re interested in joining us next time, please sign up here – members enjoy priority booking and discounted entry.