What a win for waste at the Suffolk Show!

The tent brought together waste contractors across Suffolk, such as Biffa who manage and run the Materials Recycling Facility where all Suffolk’s household recycling goes.

Suez contributed, the company who manage and run the Suffolk Energy from Waste plant where all Suffolk’s black bag waste is sent, to be used to generate electricity for 40,000 homes.

Also exhibiting were FCC Environment who manage and run the county’s 11 recycling centres and The Benjamin Foundation who run our re-use shops in Bury and Foxhall.

On display were the new recycling bins that will be introduced across Suffolk next year to allow collection glass and tetrapak, along with food waste.

Visitors also had the opportunity to speak with Master Composter and Repair Cafe volunteers, learn about Food Savvy (a campaign to reduce the amount of food they throw away), and take part in crafting using recycled materials.

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

“The county council is proud of the award presented to the Suffolk Waste Partnership tent, and all those who helped make the two days of the Suffolk Show a success. The award was the cherry on the cake, and fully deserved.

“For many years, the SWP has been the tent neighbour of Suffolk County Council at the Suffolk Show, and I really enjoyed going ‘next door’ to see the fantastic displays and activities on offer, in particular a peak at the new changes that will be coming to waste collection in Suffolk next year.”

Councillor Phil Smart, Chair of the Suffolk Waste Partnership (SWP), said:

“I’m delighted that all the hard work of our teams and partners across the county has been recognised with this award.

“We run campaigns throughout the year to support residents to minimise the amount of waste they produce, and to encourage reuse and recycling. This year, visitors were particularly interested in the new waste services being rolled out across Suffolk in 2026.

“I think more and more people are becoming aware of their environmental impact through waste, and are keen to support a change. This was evident at this year’s Suffolk Show, with over 6,000 people visiting our tent – an increase of around 70% on last year.

“I’d also like to thank the 16 Suffolk schools who provided amazing artwork to help decorate the tent.”

The award was presented by the Suffolk Agricultural Association.

Phillip Ainsworth, Chief Executive of the Suffolk Agricultural Association, organisers of the Suffolk Show, said:

“We always maintain that Suffolk Show is not only a great family event but is also a platform for many community and public organisations to showcase all the work they do through the year.

“We were delighted to learn that judges awarded Suffolk Waste Partnership tradestand an award for Best Stand Representing Education at the Suffolk Show this year for their efforts in informing the public about many campaigns they run including ways to reduce waste, reusing and recycling, composting and many more.”