Firm to run recycling centres

9:36am Monday 7th January 2008

COUNCIL chiefs have appointed a Curdridge-based firm to run the bulk of Hampshire's household waste recycling centres.

Hopkins Recycling Ltd already operates 15 of the 24 sites on Hampshire County Council's behalf.

They include centres at Winchester, Alresford, Bishop's Waltham, Eastleigh, Fair Oak, Hedge End and Timsbury.

The firm has now won a council contract to operate a further eight centres, including Netley.

As a result, with the exception of the Farnborough facility, Hopkins Recycling will run all of the county's sites.

The council added that residents are unlikely to see dramatic changes at the centres that are changing hands.

Opening hours will remain the same, although the sales areas at some facilities might receive a makeover.

County council executive member for environment, Cllr Mel Kendal, said: "Hampshire's 24 household waste recycling centres are a very popular public service, receiving more than four million visitors every year.

"Many sites achieve a recycling rate of 60 per cent or above, but the county council also wants this important service to be as user friendly as possible.

"I am very pleased to welcome Hopkins Recycling as our contractor for most of the centres in Hampshire."

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