Launch of Suffolk’s super sustainable visitor centre marks new era of environmental education

It marks a major milestone in the county’s mission to educate, engage, and inspire the next generation on sustainability and waste reduction.

Visitors will experience first-hand how waste is transformed into energy and how Suffolk is leading by example in sustainability and resource efficiency.

Hosted by Suffolk County Council and the facility’s operator SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, the launch event on Friday 25 July 2025 celebrated ten years of partnership and progress at the site, which has already welcomed thousands of visitors through its original cardboard visitor centre.

In a fitting twist, that iconic cardboard structure has now been recycled, making way for a modern, hands-on educational space designed to bring Suffolk’s waste journey to life for school groups, community organisations and curious minds of all ages.

The Energy-from-Waste facility receives general household waste, where energy is recovered to produce electricity – enough to power around 50,000 homes each year.

Councillor Chris Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, said:

“The new visitor centre stands as a symbol of what’s possible through long-term collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to community education.

“I think local schools and community groups will love their visit when they experience the innovative hands-on demonstrations, interactive games and new educational tools.

“With the new Simpler Recycling changes on the horizon, the new centre has opened at the perfect time to empower people of all ages to better understand their role in reducing, reusing, and creating a more sustainable future for Suffolk, and beyond.”

Tim Otley, Managing Director, Energy from SUEZ, said:

“Sustainability is at the heart of Suffolk’s new visitor centre - during the build and fitout, we have reused, repurposed and reclaimed items to maximise the centre's green credentials.

“Together with Suffolk County Council, we have welcomed over 12,000 visitors in our first ten years of operations here at Great Blakenham and our team look forward to welcoming thousands more over the next decade of our partnership.”

The event featured keynote speeches from representatives of Suffolk County Council and SUEZ, who reflected on the journey so far and outlined their shared vision for the future.

Among those speaking were Councillor Chris Chambers (Cabinet Member for Transport Strategy, Planning and Waste, Suffolk County Council), John Scanlon (Chief Executive Officer, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK) and Tim Otley (Managing Director, Energy, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK).

The visitor centre is now open for bookings from schools and local groups across Suffolk.

For more information about booking a tour please visit suffolkefw.co.uk or email suffolkefw.uk@suez.com