ALTONÕS brand new £750,000 household waste recycling Centre (HWRC) will open for business this month.
Provided by Hampshire County Council, the purpose-built facility at Omega Park, off Wilsom Road, will open its gates to the public at 8 am on Wednesday, October 16.
The new centre will replace the existing facility in St Lawrence Road which will close permanently at 4-30 pm the previous day.
Bulky household waste and garden rubbish can be taken to the new HWRC 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.
Hampshire 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
According to Mr Estlin, a full ecological survey was carried out before building started on the site, and colonies of slow worms, frogs and toads were safely relocated.
Mr Estlin is keen to encourage people to use the centre. ÒIÕm sure Alton residents will make full use of the new HWRC, helping Project Integra to increase its already impressive recycling rate of 25 per cent,Ó he said.
The new Hampshire waste recycling centre will be operated by Hopkins Recycling Limited, on behalf of HCC.
Opening hours will be as follows:
From October 1 to March 31 - 8 am to 4-30 pm
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.