Recycling in Hampshire has received a major accolade at the prestigious National Recycling Awards 2003.

Held at the Telford International Centre, Project Integra’s Management Board Chairman, Cllr Roland Dibbs received the award – the equivalent of the recycling industry’s ‘Oscars’.

The unique partnership between Project Integra and the Midland Glass Processing Company at Southampton Docks, beat off strong competition from two other finalists to win the ‘Best Partnership Project for Recycling’ category. All the councils in Hampshire work together to recycle and compost as much waste as possible under the banner of Project Integra.

There were several unique features of the partnership that stood out to the judges. By working together, Hampshire councils will provide more than 20,000 tonnes of glass every year. This guaranteed supply has enabled the Midland Glass Processing Company to invest in local facilities in Hampshire. The location chosen, Southampton Docks, means that much of the processed glass is shipped around the coast to be made into new bottles rather than taken by road. The facilities at Southampton are state of the art and can sort mixed glass into separate colours through complex light sensitive machinery at a rate of up to 40 tonnes an hour.

Councillor Dibbs said: "We are delighted with this recognition of Hampshire’s recyclers and also our hard work in finding a sustainable long term outlet for the glass that householders take to bottle banks. The partnership with Midland Glass has been very successful, again proving that Hampshire is a national leader when it comes to dealing with waste."

Steve Read, Executive Officer for the partnership said "Recycling is an activity that we can all do to make a difference. Everyone in Hampshire who uses bottle banks can already be confident that 100% of their bottles and jars are recycled. This award now shows Hampshire has the very best systems in place to handle the glass and transport it back to be made into new products".

The awards were held on 15 October.

Ends