Waste separation at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs)
From 1 July 2023, we are asking residents to separate their waste ahead of a visit to one of Hampshire’s HWRCs.
Waste separation by residents will:
- ensure more waste is reused and recycled
- reduce the amount of material that goes to landfill or energy recovery
Waste contained in bags will be subject to inspection and sorting by site staff when you visit an HWRC. They will check if there is any recyclable or reusable waste which should be placed in a different bin.
Why we have introduced waste separation
There are economic and environmental benefits to minimising the amount of waste sent for landfill or energy recovery. Residents separating their items in advance of visiting the HWRC will allow for as much waste as possible to be diverted for reuse or recycling. This will reduce the disposal costs associated with operating the HWRC service.
For further information on the introduction of waste separation at HWRCs, see the decision report.
Why waste separation will make a difference to recycling in Hampshire
While the benefits of this initiative have yet to be seen, other local authorities have observed an increase in their recycling performance after introducing similar schemes.
What to do with waste of a sensitive or personal nature
If you have private or sensitive waste items, you should seek alternative disposal routes (such as shredding) or seek advice from a staff member.
Using bags to bring waste to the HWRC
The use of bags is still acceptable, and we understand that for certain wastes this may be the only practical or safe method for transporting them.
We ask that waste is pre-sorted before arrival to the recycling centre. It should be separated to be placed in the relevant recycling bins. Please be patient on the site where bags may need to be split up and sorted.
How to sort waste before visiting the HWRC
We advise splitting waste into the following categories:
- Garden and green waste
- Metals
- Wood
- Cardboard
- Electrical equipment and appliances, batteries, printer cartridges, light bulbs and vapes
- Furniture
- Clothing and textiles
- Paints, chemicals, engine oil and gas bottles
- All other waste items