Work has started to redevelop and extend Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s Earlswood depot, to boost household recycling.

A joint project between Surrey County Council, its contractor, SITA Surrey, and the borough council, the latest stage of the project at the depot off the A23 started yesterday.

The redevelopment is part of a commitment made by Surrey’s councils to reduce the impact of the county’s waste on the environment.

In addition to improving the facilities at the depot, the redevelopment will provide a new bulking facility on land to the rear of it.

This new facility will be dedicated to handling recyclables, food waste and rubbish collected from homes in the borough and neighbouring Tandridge, before they are taken to specialist processing facilities.

The construction work is due to finish around the end of the year.

The Earlswood community recycling centre next door to the depot will be unaffected by the works.

SITA Surrey project manager Beverly Sheridan, said: “We’re excited to begin work on this new facility for Surrey that will support local residents’ recycling efforts, and help the county council to maximise the amount of rubbish it diverts from landfill.

“We expect to finish the building works around the end of the year and open the facility shortly after.”

Mike Goodman, Surrey County Council cabinet member for environment and planning, said: “Improving the Earlswood depot means Surrey residents will get even more out of their recycling, more value for their money and a better environment, and it’s great that work is getting started to make that happen.”

Allen Kay, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council executive member for recycling and street services, said: “As our residents continue to rethink their rubbish and recycle more, we are delighted that work on this new recycling facility is now underway.”

He said: “We are an important step closer to having the right infrastructure to help us increase recycling even further, reduce landfill and maximise the value of recycling and waste produced by residents.

“We will continue to work with Surrey County Council and SITA Surrey to ensure any concerns residents may have are answered.”

SITA Surrey is a wholly owned subsidiary of SITA UK Limited. It operates 15 community recycling centres and four waste transfer and bulking facilities on behalf of Surrey County Council. Website: www.sitasurrey.co.uk