A NEW service for small businesses in Hampshire to dispose of their commercial waste will be available from this Saturday (October 1).

Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport at Hampshire County Council, said: “For the first time, we’ll be opening up Hampshire’s household waste recycling centres to small businesses. With sites across the county, including Alton, Alresford, Bordon and Petersfield, this gives businesses a convenient and local place to safely dispose of their business waste, even if they have just small amounts.

“We’ll be accepting this commercial residual and recyclable waste on a chargeable basis. It’s one of the ways we’re able to make sure we can afford to keep all the recycling centres open, which is what residents told us was their priority in recent public consultations.

“So, even though we are having to find significant savings due to continued cuts to our funding from the Government, by doing things a bit differently we can keep these facilities open and local, and in a way that’s fair to all council taxpayers.”

Veolia, which manages the household waste recycling centre contract for the county council, has developed this waste disposal option for businesses on a commercial basis. Small businesses will now be able to dispose of the same waste material as residents at all of Hampshire’s recycling centres, except Efford.

Some materials are not accepted at household waste recycling centres from either residents or businesses, including tyres. However, opening county council sites up for disposal of a range of material from commercial operations provides an alternative to commercial transfer stations for small businesses.

Businesses will be asked to pay by debit or credit card and will be charged based on the amount and type of waste material.

This Saturday, October 1, will also see charges to residents for non-household DIY waste. This includes soil and rubble which will cost £2.50 to dispose of and plasterboard which will cost £10 per sheet or £6 per bag. Cement-bonded asbestos will be accepted at Andover, Basingstoke, Efford and Netley at £12 per sheet. These charges cover the costs of disposal only.