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Envac has signed a significant contract with Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), a joint venture between the Mayor of London and housing association L&Q, to implement the next package of its innovative waste management solution in Barking Riverside, one of Europe’s largest residential developments.
As Barking Riverside continues to prioritise sustainability and cutting-edge infrastructure to support its growing community, Envac will extend its underground waste management technology to further enhance the eco-friendly infrastructure across the site. The automated waste collection system (AWCS) removes the need for traditional waste trucks, reducing carbon emissions, minimising traffic congestion, and contributing to a greener and cleaner urban environment. The system, connected to underground pipes, uses vacuum technology to transport waste to a central collection point, ensuring efficiency and hygiene.
Dave Buckley, Sales Director, Envac UK said: “We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with BRL on this landmark project. The decision to expand the Envac system reinforces the development’s position as a pioneer in sustainable urban living. This phase will enable smarter, cleaner waste management, aligning with Barking Riverside’s commitment to creating a modern, environmentally conscious community.”
The existing area already demonstrates the transformative impact of Envac’s AWCS. Recycling rates in these zones have consistently reached an impressive 41 per cent, significantly higher than the London average of 12 per cent for flatted properties. Furthermore, the development’s innovative new cardboard shredder inlets prevent approximately 105 tonnes of cardboard from being sent to landfill annually, further enhancing the sustainability of the community and reinforcing Barking Riverside’s commitment to responsible waste management practices.
Barking Riverside’s development, spanning 443 acres along the River Thames, includes plans for up to 20,000 homes (subject to planning approval), community hubs, and an array of green spaces. The integration of the Envac system complements the site’s sustainability-driven ethos, fostering positive recycling habits among residents and reducing landfill waste.
Nathan Pearce, Head of Infrastructure (Core Projects and Operations) at Barking Riverside Limited commented: “We are proud to be one of the largest sites to implement Envac, leveraging our brownfield status to integrate the system ahead of other infrastructure. Barking Riverside has become an international Envac case study, showcasing how smart waste management can benefit communities while achieving a high recycling rate compared to similar residential developments in London.
“Our continued collaboration with Envac reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability. We look forward to expanding the system in the next phases of development, supported in part by a £124 million funding package from Homes England.”
