4,000 have their say on wheelie bin idea for New Forest

The District Council say the comments they've had have been 'useful'

New wheelie bins are on their way for households in the New Forest - to help improve recycling rates
Author: Faye TryhornPublished 10th Jan 2021
Last updated 10th Jan 2021

New Forest District Council has been holding a public consultation on their draft waste strategy over the last couple of months.

Among the ideas being put forward was to introduce wheelie bins for households, and move the collections for general waste and recyclables to alternate weeks.

It's hoped that would help to reduce the need for single use plastic bags to put rubbish into, as well as encouraging higher rates of recycling.

New Forest District Council gave us an idea of what new waste collection services could look like during the consultation

We're told almost 4,000 residents took part in the consultation - the vast majority completing the online form to have their say.

Councillor Alison Hoare, portfolio holder for environment at New Forest District Council, said:

"We've been pleased to see so much useful discussion in our public engagement around our draft waste strategy which looks at the changes we can make to reduce waste and increase recycling in the district.

"Thank you to everyone who has given us their views. The responses are now being analysed by an independent research company and we will report back on the findings later in the New Year. The feedback you've given will help us shape a waste strategy that works for the local area and our environment."

The days of the plastic sacks in the New Forest are numbered

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

The District Council has asked an independent company to assess all the comments made by residents, while the authroity's officers will also draw up a detailed business case for any changes to services.

A final decision on whether the wheelie bin plan is likely to be made later this year.

We won't see any changes to our waste and recycling services until 2022 at the earliest.

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