Centre tackles 8,500 tonnes of recycling in January after festive season

It will take six to eight weeks to clear the backlog of recycling Credit: ITV Meridian

It is the busiest time of the year for recycling teams following the festive season.

Bottle banks, like the one below in Bracknell, Berkshire have been overflowing, evidence of the festive celebrations.

Ford Materials Recycling Facility in West Sussex have been preparing for the increased demand since September.

The facility handles 78,000 tonnes of recycled waste annually with 8,500 tonnes of recycling sorted in January alone.

Staff work extra weekend shifts in January and February to cope with the demand.

It will take six to eight weeks to clear the backlog of recycling.

  • Watch the full report by Mary Stanley below

Interviewee: Russ Tuppen, Site Manager

Russ Tuppen is the Site Manager at the facility, he says they "struggle with" large cardboard from online deliveries and shiny wrapping paper with foil in it.

He added: "Christmas tree lights also cause a challenge as it gets into the plant, wraps around everything and we have to stop."

The facility handles 78,000 tonnes of recycled waste annually Credit: ITV Meridian

A network of 100 conveyor belts sort the waste before it is transported around the country to be recycled.

Glass makes up a third of the recycled waste and it is either melted down or used as sand for road building.

Other recycled materials are turned into new products.

The recycling facility expects the next busy period to be Easter.