A WINCHESTER-based charity, providing homes and jobs to the homeless, has opened a recycling centre with the aim of reducing waste and boosting income.

Emmaus Hampshire introduced the new facility, along side its Winchester superstore, for donated small electrical items to be repaired, sold or stripped into component parts and reduce the amount of waste going into landfill.

It’s hoped that revenue from the recycling operation will help meet the cost of providing shelter to more than 30 residents who would otherwise be homeless.

The centre adds to the charity’s mission of providing meaningful work to its residents, with many working in the second-hand superstore in Bar End or as delivery drivers or caterers within the organisation.

READ MORE: Winchester homelessness charity Emmaus celebrates improvements in Hampshire

The new project also includes technology that can identify premium books so that they can be sold to specialist book sellers.  

The recycling centre was opened before Christmas by the mayor of Eastleigh, Cllr Adam Manning, who urged Hampshire residents to support the charity by donating unwanted furniture, clothes and household items.

Emmaus anticipate the development will save approximately 500 tonnes of waste going into landfill each year.

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Chief executive of Emmaus Hampshire, Nigel Samuels, said: “The idea for this new recycling centre came directly from our residents and they turned it into reality in just three months.

“The centre has only been open a few weeks but already it has helped us to save the equivalent carbon emissions of car travelling 23,000 miles. It’s making Winchester more sustainable and delivering a social good at the same time.”

Emmaus Hampshire is one of 30 communities across the UK. For more go to emmaus.org.uk/hampshire/.