The investment has seen the facility equipped with advanced mechanical systems and digital monitoring technology designed to improve the speed, safety and accuracy of material sampling.
The upgraded operation will allow the Southwark site to sample up to 81 categories of waste material, significantly exceeding the 19 categories required under the new EPR framework.
Under the new legislation, Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and Waste Transfer Stations (WTS) across the UK will be required to carry out more frequent and detailed sampling of incoming waste streams.
This includes separating materials into packaging and non-packaging categories, alongside food-grade and non-food-grade distinctions.
Sampling frequency at the Southwark facility has also increased from once every 125 tonnes to once every 75 tonnes, providing more detailed data on material composition and improving reporting accuracy.
Mathew Crane, Regional Manager at Veolia UK, said: “This significant investment in our Southwark Integrated Waste Management facility demonstrates Veolia’s commitment to staying ahead of industry requirements while improving operational efficiency and safety.
“The new Material Sampling Facility not only provides us with full EPR legislation compliance but also positions us as a regional hub, able to support sampling for new and existing customers.”
Automating the Southwark waste facility
The upgraded system replaces a number of manual handling processes with automated conveyors and sorting screens.
Veolia said the changes have improved operational safety while also increasing throughput and precision during the sampling process.
A specially trained on-site team now uses digital systems to identify and record material weights in real time, supporting more accurate categorisation and analysis of waste materials.
Crane added: “By automating and streamlining our sampling processes, we’re able to handle increased categorisation demands while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy.
“This facility represents the future of recycling infrastructure, and we’re proud to be leading the way in technological advancement within the waste management sector.”
According to Veolia, the investment and revised operating procedures have resulted in a 59% increase in overall sampling volumes, while also creating additional employment opportunities at the site.
Enhanced sampling cabins have also been introduced at Veolia’s Four Ashes MRF in Staffordshire and Rainham MRF in east London as the company continues to upgrade its wider infrastructure network.
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