Circular Economies on the High Street

High streets are key to developing and supporting circular economies. From reuse and repair hubs to zero-waste food retailers and material reuse in construction, high streets can bring sustainable systems into the everyday lives of Londoners. By embedding these models locally, councils and high street stakeholders can reduce waste, cut emissions, and generate new economic opportunities.

ReLondon is the statutory body working to help London waste less and reuse, repair, share and recycle more and has been piloting these ideas across the city through programmes like High Streets Beyond Waste, ReWear, and Heston in the Loop. These initiatives support high street businesses to test and embed zero-waste innovation, offering grants, expert advice, and community engagement strategies that connect environmental action with local prosperity. Businesses have reported reduced costs, increased revenues, and stronger customer loyalty while diverting thousands of tonnes of waste from landfill.

This seminar will take place in a high street location where ReLondon’s support has enabled visible, working examples of circular practice. Participants will meet business owners, council officers, and programme leads to see first hand how circular systems can work in urban contexts.

What to expect

During this 2.5 hour seminar, you will:

• Learn about grants, engagement strategies and delivery models from ReLondon’s High Streets Beyond Waste programme.
• Hear from Southwark Council and high street businesses trialling reuse and zero-waste schemes on the high street.
• Gain insights into practical steps to broker and support circular economy projects.

Who should attend?

This event is open to all, with a core audience of:

• Local Authority Officers across different teams
• BIDs
• Business owners, Market operators
• Circular Economy experts

This event is in-person only and limited to 20 attendees. Notes will be circulated via our Teams platform following the event.

When

Tuesday 21 October 2025

14:00-16:30

Where

Rouel Road TRA Hall (meet at the Blue Market Fountain), Market Place, Bermondsey, SE16 3UQ

Please call Cameron on 07542208746 if you are unable to find us on the day.

Agenda

• 13:50: Meet at the Blue Market Clock Tower, introduction to the Blue Bermondsey.
• 14:10: Presentations from ReLondon, Southwark Council and High Street Businesses.
• 15:15: Discussion
• 16:30: End

Travel

The nearest stations are Bermondsey, (Jubilee line) and South Bermondsey (National Rail). Plan your journey with Transport for London’s tube and rail map.

There are many local bus routes stopping near the Blue Market, including the 1, 381, P12. Plan your journey with Transport for London’s bus routes.

There are cycle hoops on the Market Square.

Access

The closest station with step-free access is Bermondsey (with mini-ramp). Blue Badge holders are able to park on Blue Anchor Lane.

Please let us know if you have any access needs at [email protected] so that we can make sure you are accommodated.

The event will be Relaxed, meaning you are welcome to leave and re-enter, tic and move around.

Refreshments

Light refreshments will be served. Please help us to minimise waste by bringing your own water bottle.

About the High Street Classroom

The High Street Classroom, part of the Mayor of London’s High Street Network, is a learning programme of events, activities and working groups. Treating London’s high streets as our classroom, we visit projects, and explore how to deliver good growth for Londoners through collaboration, innovation and shared practice.

For updates on future events, join the High Street Network mailing list.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher The Mayor of London's High Street Network