Proposals that would boost recycling rates in Hampshire are due to be considered later this month by Hampshire County Council. The plans, if approved, would deliver a state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility in Eastleigh that could process more types of household waste for recycling.
On 28 April, the County Council’s Cabinet Member for Universal Services will consider proposals to invest £50.5 million and make the necessary arrangements to build the new facility in Eastleigh. The proposal is to adopt a ‘twin-stream’ solution to recycling across Hampshire, which is the Government’s preferred approach. This would mean that dry recyclable materials are separated with one bin, container or box for paper and cardboard, and another for metal, glass, and plastic – which, when fully operational, will also include pots, tubs, trays, cartons and plastic films for the first time.
Separating dry materials in this way from other waste reduces contamination – this is when dry recyclable material, such as card and paper, is unable to be recycled because it may be wet or has food residue on it. Reducing contamination maximises the resale value of materials which would help to offset the costs of running the service, as well as minimising the impact of sorting materials which currently costs the County Council some £2 million every year.
The proposal to build a new Materials Recovery Facility has been developed in conjunction with Hampshire’s neighbouring waste disposal partners, Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council who will jointly fund the project ensuring a consistent service across Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton.
Under the Government’s Simpler Recycling guidance issued in November 2024, local authorities are being guided to implement a ‘twin-stream’ approach by April 2026 to encourage a consistent standard across the country. This will limit the number of containers/bins to four per household (plus a garden waste collection where required), with shared arrangements for buildings with more than one household, such as flats.
The report being considered on 28 April, explains that it is not operationally or financially feasible to upgrade Hampshire’s two existing Material Recovery Facilities at Alton and Portsmouth due to their age and size limitations.
If approval is given to progress with the Material Recovery Facility, it is anticipated that construction at Chickenhall Lane in Eastleigh could begin by the end of 2025 and could be operational by the end of 2027, enabling Hampshire to align with Simpler Recycling targets as soon as possible.