Simpler Recycling in Hampshire

In 2023, the Government introduced the Simpler Recycling policy for England. This new system means all councils will collect the same types of recycling from homes, businesses, and some public buildings like schools and hospitals. Wherever you are, the list of items that you can recycle will be the same.

How recycling works in Hampshire

District and borough councils collect your waste and recycling. Hampshire County Council processes and disposes of it. Portsmouth and Southampton are unitary authorities, so they handle both collection and disposal.

All of the councils work together through Project Integra. They share facilities including two materials recovery facilities (MRFs). These sites sort the items that have been collected before they are sent on to be recycled.

Read more about the materials recovery process

What you can recycle now

A new materials recovery facility is due to open in Eastleigh in 2028. Until then, the two current sites can only sort these items:

  • paper and card
  • cans
  • plastic bottles
  • aerosols

If other items are put in recycling, the MRFs can’t sort them. They have to be sent for energy recovery instead, which increases costs.

Some councils may already collect other items separately, so check your local council’s website for details. Find your local borough, city, or district council

What you will be able to recycle from 2028

Once Simpler Recycling and the new MRF is in place, you’ll be able to recycle more items from home, including:

  • glass bottles and jars
  • aluminium food trays and foil
  • plastic pots, tubs, trays and tubes
  • cartons from food, drink and other liquids
  • plastic film packaging and plastic bags
  • food waste

Some councils may already collect some of these items separately, so check your local council’s website for details. Find your local borough, city, or district council

Food waste recycling

Food waste collection is part of Simpler Recycling. Your council may already offer it, or they may be preparing to introduce it. Check your local council’s website for more information. Find your local borough, city, or district council

What you can put in your food waste caddy

  • All uneaten food and plate scrapings
  • Meat and fish (raw or cooked), including bones
  • Tea bags and coffee grounds
  • Fruit and vegetables (including peelings, pips, stones and stalks)
  • Out-of-date or mouldy food
  • Solidified cooking fat
  • Shellfish and seafood shells
  • Dairy products such as cheese
  • Bread, cakes and pastries
  • Eggs and eggshells
  • Rice, pasta and beans
  • Pet food

What you cannot put in your food waste caddy

  • Any packaging (aside from your chosen caddy liner)
  • Glass
  • Liquids such as milk, liquid fat or gravy
  • Oils such as used cooking oil
  • Anything that isn’t food waste (including cat litter, animal waste, pet bedding or garden waste)

What happens to food waste

Food waste collected from kerbsides is sent to an anaerobic digestion facility. It’s broken down to produce bio-gas, which is turned into bio-methane, and bio-fertiliser which is used to improve soil.