New Forest District Council introduces carton recycling banks at New Milton, Lymington, Lyndhurst, Ringwood, Hythe and Totton

PEOPLE can now recycle cartons and other paper-based containers at six new recycling banks throughout the New Forest.

The district council installed the banks at car parks in New Milton, Lymington, Lyndhurst, Ringwood, Hythe and Totton, after an ongoing trial in Fordingbridge proved successful.

Cllr Steve Davies, NFDC's cabinet member for environment and coastal services, said: “We're excited to be introducing more recycling banks for food and drink cartons, and other paper-based containers as currently these types of containers cannot be added to the clear recycling sacks we collect from households.

"This is all a part of our commitment to make it easier for residents to reduce waste and recycle more, and I really hope people find the new recycling banks useful."

He added: “From 2025, we’re planning to collect more recyclable items from residents’ homes, including food and drink cartons.

"In the meantime, these banks provide us with a positive solution to increase recycling and be more sustainable."

An NFDC spokesperson said some of the mixed recycling banks at Elm Avenue car park in New Milton and Cannon Street car park in Lymington have now been removed to accommodate the new banks.

The spokesperson said this will leave residents able to continue recycling at home or at nearby sites, including at Tesco car park in New Milton and St Thomas Street car park in Lymington.

Fordingbridge councillor Ann Sevier said: “The food and drink carton bank in Fordingbridge has been a great success, with 6.6 tonnes collected since it was implemented.

"It has received fantastic support from local community groups and residents, and I'm delighted that we are making this resource available for more residents with extra carton recycling banks across the district.”

Items which can be put into the new recycling banks include food and drink cartons and paper-based containers with metal ends.

For more information visit newforest.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish