Materials Recovery Facility Tour

Ever wondered what really happens after you throw something “away” in a recycling bin at Queen Mary? Does recycling need to be cleaned first? And how much actually gets recycled? 

Join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Bywaters Materials Recovery Facility, where you’ll see first-hand how waste and recycling are sorted, processed, and prepared for reuse. This guided visit offers a rare opportunity to follow the journey of everyday items and understand the realities — and challenges — of modern recycling systems. 

By making the invisible visible, this tour helps cut through common recycling myths and shows why everyday choices matter. It’s a practical, eye-opening experience that connects daily habits to wider sustainability and climate goals, right here in East London.