Opened last weekend by Ken Thornber, leader of Hampshire council, the facility at Pegham Industrial Park in Fareham can sort over 150,000 tonnes of trade waste a year.
The opening marks a new step for Hippowaste, a relative newcomer to the waste management industry, known for the use of bright plastic yellow “Hippobags” instead of skips.
 Opening: (left to right) James Bennett of Hippowaste, Cllr Ken Thornber and Stephen Noar of Hippowaste at the opening of the new trade waste centre |
With limited provision for trade waste recycling in the UK so far, the Hampshire firm hopes to target small tradesmen in this niche market.
Screening machines, grabber machines and a staff of five will sort waste brought to the site by licensed waste carriers and domestic users. A fee will be charged depending on the nature of the waste.
James Bennett, managing director of Hippowaste, said that the new plant would increase Hippowaste's overall recycling rate of 80%, for material collected in its “Hippobags”.
He said: “The new centre has the capacity to accept in excess of 150,000 tonnes of waste per year. With the new waste sorted both mechanically and manually, we are aiming to build on our current recycling rate and achieve 90% by 2007.”
Boost
Speaking at the opening in Fareham, Cllr Thornber added that the new centre would help boost recycling targets for the whole county. Hampshire achieved a high recycling rate of 30% in 2004/05, yet it is keen to extend its rate further.
Cllr Thornber said: “This will play an important part in moving the county further towards its challenging recycling targets.”
Cllr Thornber said that a trade waste centre would help to deter illegal waste dumping. He remarked: “As trade waste is not permitted at household waste recycling centres, viable and efficient alternatives are needed.
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“The Hippowaste recycling centre will provide a legal alternative for local tradesmen to dispose of and recycle significant volumes and types of waste.”
The centre will open from 7.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday and specialises in hazardous waste. Waste accepted includes asbestos, TVs, monitors, plasterboard and paint.
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