Turning Waste Into Water

25 November 2010

Staff at South East Water's head office in Snodland, Kent, are turning waste paper and cardboard into water.

Staff at South East Water are encouraged to throw waste paper and cardboard into a special bin on site at the head office. When the bin fills up it is taken away by Smurfit Kappa Recycling, weighed and then the weight of the waste is converted into cash for WaterAid, a charity which works to provide safe water, sanitation and hygiene education projects in some of the world's poorest communities.

All of the paper and cardboard collected is taken straight to the local Smurfit Kappa paper mill in the same town for reprocessing and is used throughout the Smurfit Kappa supply chain to produce new packaging materials.

Smurfit Kappa Recycling's commercial manager for the South East, Sarah Lesting said: "This is a win-win initiative. As well as providing much needed funds for a deserving charity, South East Water is choosing a local and responsible recycling solution that minimises carbon emissions and supports local industry."

Sue Sampson, facilities supervisor at South East Water, said: "WaterAid is the Company's own nominated charity and a cause very close to our heart, as just £15 can enable one person to access safe water, improved hygiene and sanitation. This scheme not only ensures our paper and cardboard waste is recycled, it enables the Company to help a charity provide fresh water to those who are not as fortunate as us."