Hampshire County Council will consider the proposals on Monday, November 2 as it looks to prepare for new government recycling requirements and make full use of the county’s new £50m materials recovery facility in Eastleigh, which is expected to be operational in 2028.
Cllr Kirsty North, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet lead for universal services, said: “We know that residents want to recycle more materials, including a wider range of plastics, and we’ve invested, alongside Southampton and Portsmouth City Councils, in a state-of-the-art new facility that will make this possible.
“Ahead of the Materials Recovery Facility becoming operational, changes are needed to ensure the right collection arrangements are in place.
“We know these changes take time to deliver, and as a region, we need to continue to work closely together, so the transition is smooth and residents are kept well informed.
“The move to a new approach is complex and requires alignment across multiple local authorities.
“It is important that we remain focused on what is best for residents, delivers value for taxpayers and makes the most of the investment we have committed to the Eastleigh facility.
“I will consider these recommendations carefully against those aims before reaching a final decision.”
The proposals recommend that all district and borough councils in Hampshire be ready to introduce a consistent recycling collection system from May 2028.
Under the suggested approach, paper and cardboard would be collected separately from other recyclable materials, such as glass, plastics and metal packaging.
This system, known as ‘twin-stream’ recycling, is designed to improve the quality of recycled materials and support more efficient processing.
The recommendations are based on work carried out through Project Integra, Hampshire’s waste partnership, and support the government’s ‘Simpler Recycling’ reforms.
In Hampshire, district and borough councils are responsible for collecting household waste and recycling (waste collection authorities), while Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council are responsible for the disposal and processing of waste and recyclable materials (waste disposal authorities – with the unitary authorities acting as both disposal and collection bodies).
The report under consideration outlines the options for moving towards a unified recycling service across the county, emphasising environmental benefits and cost efficiency.
A single, consistent system would help avoid the costs and complications associated with maintaining different collection methods in different areas.
A detailed transition plan, linked to the opening of the new Eastleigh facility, will confirm the timetable for introducing changes in each part of the county.