New Ipswich recycling centre to break ground, which will provide smoother, safer visits

The modern, purpose-built facility will be a major upgrade on the existing recycling centre at Portman’s Walk, approximately three times bigger and able to take significantly more bookings.

Suffolk County Council has recently acquired planning permission, an environmental permit and ownership of the land – the former Ipswich Borough Council depot on Whittle Road.

The majority of the existing structures at the site will be demolished, which is due to begin in early summer 2026.

Features of Ipswich’s new recycling centre will include:

• A raised platform giving visitors an elevated position from which to safely dispose of waste – removing the need for steps
• A one-way system and easy-to-use layout, allowing customers to access clearly marked recycling bays
• No need to close the facility to replace full containers
• Improved accessibility and increased capacity for recycling and donating items for reuse
• Greater separation between public vehicles and larger vehicles
• Queuing capacity within the site and better access from the public highway compared to the current Portman’s Walk site
• The new site will be 3 times bigger than the Portman’s Walk site

The project sees Suffolk County Council and FCC Environment continue to work together – Ipswich’s new site will be operated by FCC Environment, which manages all of Suffolk’s 11 recycling centres.

Chris Ellis, Operations Director, Waste and Recycling Division, FCC Environment said:

“We look forward to following up the successes of the newer sites at Foxhall Road and in Haverhill. Being able to operate a facility which is purpose-built for both residents and our teams, makes for a more efficient and safer operation for everyone involved.”

Further information on recycling in Suffolk can be found at www.suffolkrecycling.org.uk