Eastleigh £50m Recycling Plant Project Delayed Until 2028 Amid Councillor Concerns

The £50 million materials recovery facility in Eastleigh, a joint project by Hampshire, Portsmouth, and Southampton councils, will not be operational until 2028. Southampton councillor Rob Harwood criticized the slow progress, questioning why the site wasn't built despite allocated funds. Local authorities in Hampshire currently cannot collect certain plastic recyclables, and delays have been attributed to central government and inter-council issues. Contracts for the facility are expected to be signed soon.

Published Mar 25, 2026

The materials recovery facility (MRF) in Eastleigh, a collaboration between Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council, is set to open in 2028, facing criticism for delays. Councillor Rob Harwood raised concerns about the project's slow progress, questioning the allocation of funds since 2021.

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Currently, Hampshire local authorities cannot collect certain plastics for recycling, which will continue until the MRF is operational. Councillor John Savage expressed shared frustration, attributing delays to central government and inter-council dynamics. Contracts for the facility are expected to be signed imminently, with the potential for increased recycling options.