Statement issued on behalf of SUEZ recycling and recovery UK

Updated Tuesday 19 March 2019

The fire in the main general refuse processing building at our Benedict Wharf site in Mitcham was extinguished yesterday (Monday) evening.

The materials recycling facility, baling shed and smaller transfer station building at the site have been unaffected by the fire and have re-opened to customers today. The main processing building will remain closed whilst we assess the extent of the damage to the building, investigate the cause of the fire and remove the affected waste from the site.

We would like to thank the London Fire Brigade and our staff on site for their efforts yesterday and would like to apologise again for the effect this incident has had on our neighbours and the local community.

Monday 18 March 2019

At approximately 8.20pm yesterday evening (Sunday), a member of security staff alerted us to the presence of a fire in the main general refuse processing building at our Benedict Wharf site in Mitcham.

The fire service was called immediately and remains in attendance this morning, managing the fire. SUEZ staff have been on site throughout the night assisting the fire service.

Fortunately, no one has been injured, but the fire service is advising residents living nearby to keep their doors and windows closed due to smoke from the fire. The fire occurred in a building which contains non-hazardous general household and commercial waste only.

We would like to thank the London Fire Brigade for their continued efforts to manage the fire and we are sorry for the effect this incident is no doubt having on our neighbours and the local community – we appreciate your support and understanding.

The cause of the fire and the extent to which the facility has been damaged remain unknown, but will be subject to investigation in due course. Access to the site is currently restricted to the emergency services and essential SUEZ staff. All vehicle deliveries to the site are being re-routed to other sites.