ALTONÕS new £750,000 household waste recycling centre (HWRC) opened for business at 8 am on Wednesday following the official closure on Tuesday of the old St Lawrence Road site.
Provided by Hampshire County Council, the purpose-built facility at Omega Park, off Wilsom Road, will take bulky household waste and garden rubbish free of charge.
This can include newspapers and magazines, glass bottles and jars, textiles, used engine oil, bric-a-brac, furniture, household appliances such as fridges and freezers, and soil and rubble.
A separate bin will be provided for non-recyclable bulky household rubbish.
In addition, East Hampshire District Council will continue its kerbside collections of domestic waste and recyclables.
The county councilÕs environment spokesman Keith Estlin believes that, located as it is on a Òbigger and better siteÓ, the new HWRC will represent a welcome improvement for local residents.
ÒThe site at St Lawrence Road has served a very worthwhile purpose, but its location in the centre of town has led to restricted opening hours. The new HWRC will be worth the wait, giving Alton residents a state-of-the-art facility with more space, split level bin bays for easy access, and longer opening times.Ó
The new Hampshire waste recycling centre will be operated by Hopkins Recycling Limited, on behalf of HCC.
Opening hours will be as follows:
r From October 1 to March 31 - 8 am to 4-30 pm
r From April 1 to September 30 - 8 am to 7 pm.
The HWRC will be open every day of the year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New YearÕs Day.