£50.5m recycling facility set to transform waste processing across Hampshire

Hampshire County Council has confirmed that construction will begin this spring on a £50.5 million state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Eastleigh.

The project marks a major step forward for recycling infrastructure across the region, with the facility expected to be fully operational by 2028.

Once complete, the new MRF will enable households across Hampshire to recycle a significantly wider range of materials at the kerbside, including:

• Plastic packaging such as pots, tubs, trays and soft films

• Glass and metals

• Paper and cardboard

• Cartons

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Boosting recycling rates with advanced technology

The facility will utilise modern automated sorting systems, with the potential integration of robotics and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and material recovery rates.

This investment is designed to futureproof the region’s waste infrastructure, ensuring it can adapt to evolving recycling requirements and consumer habits while helping to reduce carbon impact.

The scheme also builds on recent improvements across the county, including the rollout of expanded food waste collection services.

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A collaborative regional investment

The project is being delivered in partnership with neighbouring authorities Portsmouth City Council and Southampton City Council, ensuring a consistent recycling approach across the wider Hampshire region.

Working alongside contractor Veolia, the scheme represents a coordinated effort to improve recycling performance, reduce waste, and support the transition towards a circular economy.

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Supporting national recycling reforms

The new facility will align with the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling legislation, which requires better separation of recyclable materials to reduce contamination.

Currently, contamination costs the region approximately £2 million annually. By improving sorting processes and reducing waste contamination, the new MRF will help ensure higher quality recyclable materials and more efficient processing.

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Long-term environmental impact

The Eastleigh facility is set to play a central role in helping the region:

• Increase recycling rates

• Reduce landfill waste

• Lower carbon emissions

• Meet long-term climate targets

As construction begins, the project represents a significant infrastructure investment that will reshape how waste is managed across Hampshire for decades to come.