Letter: This is how wheelie bins will boost New Forest recycling

SIR – In response to the letter (Letters, 18th March) asking how wheelie bins would improve recycling in the New Forest, I would like to explain our plans for our recycling and rubbish service.

We know that our residents want to recycle more materials and we need to provide a service which allows them to do so.

That’s why we are working with Hampshire County Council to make improvements to the service including the addition of a separate food waste collection, more frequent glass collections, and allowing for a wider range of plastic packaging to be recycled (for example, plastic pots, tubs and trays).

All parts of our proposal will work together to achieve higher levels of recycling. We have learnt from over 94% of councils in England who use wheelie bins to improve recycling collections.

The role of wheelie bins will be to safely contain two weeks of mixed recycling or waste, reduce the 10-million single-use plastic bags the service currently uses, and encourage residents to reduce waste and separate out as much as possible for recycling or composting.

Wheelie bins would also enable us to improve health and safety for our waste crews.

Changes to the service are due to be decided this summer and, if agreed, the changes are expected to take place from 2024.

We know that not all residents will have space for our proposed new containers, or some households, such as larger families, may need us to provide additional storage.

We will survey households who may need an adapted service and we will provide alternatives if needed.

Our assisted collection service will remain in place for residents who are unable to take their waste to the edge of their property.

More information is available at newforest.gov.uk/wastestrategy

Alternatively, you can email us at wastestrategy@nfdc.gov.uk and we will reply to you directly.

Cllr Steve Davies,

New Forest District Council cabinet member for environment