Rooted in Cornwall
- Hannah Tapping
- 18 hours ago
- 2 min read
Words by Hannah Tapping
Where others see waste, Cornwall, along with SUEZ, sees possibility. Together, they’re building a legacy for Cornwall, by forging a steady path to a waste-free future. In Cornwall, a quiet groundswell is gathering momentum. Guided by a common goal and purpose, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, a leader in circular economy and sustainable solutions in resource and waste management, and Cornwall Council are working together to reshape the story of waste across the county. It’s a story not just of bins and trucks, but of energy flowing back into thousands of local homes, compost feeding new life into land and resources carefully kept in use instead of being buried out of sight.
From the energy recovery facility at Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre, where non-recyclable waste is transformed into electricity to composting centres where green waste is turned into rich soil for local use, Cornwall’s waste is being given a new chapter. Materials that once would have been lost to landfill now play a role in Cornwall’s circular economy, creating value where it was once overlooked.
With Simpler Recycling now in place for workplaces with ten or more employees, bringing clear rules for recycling – including food waste and glass – SUEZ is helping businesses, schools and hospitals across Cornwall stay on track and comply with the reforms. And this impact is visible too, in small yet powerful ways. Across SUEZ’s re-use shops in Truro, St Austell, Falmouth, Launceston and United Mines, pre-loved belongings are being given a second life. This isn’t just about objects – it’s about people. These shops are creating local jobs, supporting families and helping Cornwall’s student community access affordable essentials.
The impact is tangible. In just five months, over 52 tonnes of once-forgotten items have found new meaning and over 100,000 households now have access to these community-led hubs. But beyond the numbers, it’s the growing sense of collective pride that stands out and the connection between people, place and purpose. Combining global expertise and local heart, SUEZ and Cornish communities are turning today’s waste into tomorrow’s resources.
To learn more about how SUEZ is supporting Cornwall’s journey towards a circular economy, visit suez.co.uk or contact 01209 202000.
