New Forest homes to get wheelie bins for first time
Changes will start from 2024
Last updated 13th Jul 2022
Council bosses in the New Forest have approved plans to change waste collections despite concern from households.
It means homes across the forest will get wheelie bins for the first time in 2024.
Some are worried they'll ruin the area's 'tranquil charm' but the district council is confident it'll boost recycling rates.
Changes to the service will be implemented in phases from 2024.
Cllr Edward Heron, Leader of New Forest District Council, said: “Now our plans have been approved, we can start planning the implementation of the new service which will make recycling easier for our residents and reduce our impact on the environment.
“We will improve recycling in the district by collecting more items from the kerbside, including brand new weekly food waste collections.”
Hampshire County Council are planning a new facility for waste disposal, expected in 2024. The new facility will allow NFDC to collect new materials from the kerbside, like foil, drinks cartons, and a wider range of plastics, alongside glass, aerosols, tins and cans, in a wheelie bin. Paper and card will be collected separately in a reusable bag, which will protect the material’s quality.
Cllr Steve Davies, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Coastal Services, said: “We’re aiming to boost our recycling rate from just 34% to at least the national target of 65% by 2035. A new and improved service will be a vital part of achieving this target. As will supporting our residents with service changes, and to reduce their waste.
“There will be an increased focus on communications and education, to ensure residents have resources and information to reduce waste, recycle more and protect the environment.
“Our research shows us that the new service will be suitable for the majority of residents, but we understand that it will not be suitable for some properties. We will survey properties across the district to identify which will need an alternative service. And we will offer support through our assisted collections service, to help residents who cannot move their containers on collection day.
“We have the benefit of being able to learn from top performing councils in England, who provide similar services to what we will be introducing in the district. We will work with residents to support and inform them, and ensure they are ready for the change in 2024.”
Residents can read the new waste strategy here.