SUEZ recycling and recovery UK employs over 6,200 people, operating across hundreds of sites, and handles approximately 11 million tonnes of waste materials every year – a significant proportion of the UK’s total waste.
Through collection, treatment, recycling and logistics operations, it serves more than 30,000 business customers and millions of householders throughout the country. Please visit www.suez.co.uk to find out more.
SUEZ and OPAL are reimagining playgrounds with sustainability at heart
SUEZ recycling and recovery UK and OPAL schools in Tyneside have committed to work together to create a sustainable and enriching future for our children whilst encouraging waste prevention.
The mission
Transform playgrounds using upcycled materials
For many children, the playground is a crucial space for development. But traditional school playgrounds, sometimes dominated by static equipment and often offering nothing more than a tarmac space, can limit creative play and fail to address diverse learning opportunities.
However SUEZ and OPAL are on a mission to transform school playgrounds into stimulating rich play environments. The goal is to redefine playtime by creating spaces that encourage exploration, spark creativity, and foster a love of learning in all children.
The solution
Provide loose parts to OPAL schools and give OPAL playgrounds a makeover using SUEZ volunteers
One of the challenges OPAL schools face is sourcing ‘loose parts’ like tyres, pallets, and even musical instruments. This is where SUEZ recycling and recovery UK enters the picture. It’s a win-win partnership that goes beyond traditional recycling.
SUEZ identified a treasure trove of reusable materials at its Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). Among the materials given a new lease on life include clean tyres, wooden pallets, bikes and scooters, netting, the occasional guitar, small items like buttons, shells and beads, and even a ship’s wheel.
The partnership did not stop there. SUEZ employees, passionate about giving back to the community, dedicated volunteer days to work with teachers and students. Together, they transformed these pre-loved items into building blocks for imaginative play, fostering a sense of ownership and great camaraderie in the process. All of this is a testament to SUEZ’s commitment to sustainable practices for people and the planet.
The result
Creative and innovative transformation from waste to playground
SUEZ now actively supports OPAL schools in the North East. As of March 2025, SUEZ have supported 6 schools across Tyneside, Sunderland, Gateshead, and another one due to be supported in Teesside. It is expanding its reach by supporting even more schools.
This initiative extends beyond the joy of playtime. SUEZ helps local schools by teaching kids about reuse and caring for our planet’s resources. Children, in turn, learn valuable lessons about sustainability firsthand, witnessing the transformation of everyday objects into beloved playthings. It’s a win for the environment, the community, and most importantly, for the children who get to experience all of this.
From trash to treasure, one household's rubbish is another child's joy!
