Waste recycling plant work starts

The council says the plant will be one of the most advanced in the UK

Work has begun on a multi-million pound state-of-the-art waste recycling plant in West Sussex.

The plant, which is being built at Ford Airfield near Arundel, will sort and recycle items left in green collection bins across the county.

It is due to open in February 2009 and will be one of the most advanced facilities in the country, according to West Sussex County Council.

The authority said it was a key part of its plan to recycle more waste.

"Having our own sorting facility in West Sussex, which we have been able to establish here at Ford with considerable help from the Ford Liaison Group, will be a great asset," councillor John de Mierre said.

"It means our district and borough partners will be able to collect more materials from their residents for recycling.

"Working together we will reduce landfill by being waste prevention and recycling leaders, and by turning rubbish into a resource."

West Sussex County council wants 45% of household waste in the county to be recycled by 2015.