Visitor
Reducing waste
Every year the UK produces millions of tonnes of single-use plastic waste, which takes hundreds of years to decompose.
At ExCeL, we take this issue very seriously and are committed to managing our venue in a way that minimises the amount of plastic waste that we generate.
We have a zero waste-to-landfill policy. Over half our waste is recycled whilst the rest is used to create renewable energy. Here are some of the key initiatives in place to help continually reduce waste:
Zero waste-to-landfill
We have operated a zero waste-to-landfill policy since 2012.
We are working with organisers and exhibitors to migrate advertising and signage content to digital energy efficient LED screens and where there is still a need to print, specifying sustainable materials.
We have made significant changes to our media production over the last few years to improve recycling rates around what was a previously a large non-recyclable waste stream, due to the use of PVC,
95% of banners are now made from a PVC-free substrate that can be recycled to create a variety of products, from traffic cones to roofing materials, or used as fuel at waste-to-energy plants.
Commercial wormery
We are home to one of the UK’s largest commercial wormeries, which recycles vegetable waste from our kitchens, generating fertiliser for green spaces around ExCeL.
Reduced plastic
We are committed to reducing single-use plastic waste. We encourage retailers working in the venue to use alternatives to single-use plastic for packaging and drinks' containers. Other initiatives to reduce the use of single use plastic include installing water fountains on the boulevard and encouraging visitors to refill their water bottles.
Donating surplus food and furniture
Surplus food and furniture, from events, is donated to CFE (Community Food Enterprise), who share these items with local community projects throughout the London Borough of Newham.
