Letter: Answers for 'toothless old git' on New Forest recycling

SIR – In response to Mr Horne (Letters, 28th October) asking for more information on recycling, I would like to thank him for his interest and raising how important it is that everyone understands how to recycle locally.

This remains an important aim for us, and we are working to make recycling easier for residents.

I would like to provide some information on how recycling works in the New Forest district and then address other points raised in Mr Horne’s letter.

Our crews collect recycling from households, and it’s then taken to facilities, provided by Hampshire County Council, for sorting.

Once items are at recycling sorting facilities, they are separated by a mix of technology, before being baled up and sent to be recycled into new products.

Some product packaging states that an item, such as a plastic pot, is recyclable. However, not all recycling sorting facilities in the UK can process these items.

Currently, the facilities in Hampshire cannot sort plastic pots, tubs, and trays.

Hampshire County Council is planning to build a new facility which will be able to sort more materials, like extra plastics. In turn, we’ll be able to collect these materials from households for recycling.

Plans to improve our recycling and rubbish service were approved this summer. In the future, we’ll be collecting more materials from the kerbside for recycling, such as food waste.

And new containers, including wheelie bins, will be introduced to the majority of households in the district.

Plastic sacks will still be needed for general waste in wheelie bins, but this waste should be greatly reduced by residents being able to recycle more.

Wheelie bins for mixed recycling will allow recycling to be added loose, with no need for a plastic sack.

We will offer support through our assisted collections service, to help residents who cannot move their containers on collection day.

There will be an increased focus on communication and engagement to support residents with service changes, and how to reduce waste and recycle in the district.

More information on recycling in the district, and future changes to our service, can be read online at newforest.gov.uk/recyclingandrubbish

Chris Noble,

Service manager – waste & transport, New Forest District Council