The Environment Minister says a $2.9 million waste sorting facility will put Marlborough at the cutting edge of waste management.

The government will inject nearly $800 thousand into the development of the facility, which will sort through 13,000 tonnes of waste per year.

Nick Smith says it'll benefit the environment, with around 60 percent of waste diverted to recycling.

"We're going to be able to ensure about 60 to 70 percent of that industrial and commercial waste is now going to be reused. I think that's good for Marlborough's brand."