A council has announced upcoming changes to its waste collection service that will improve recycling and reduce waste.

These changes will be introduced in three phases, based on waste collections operating from the three depots in Lymington, Ringwood, and Hardley.

Depending on where a resident lives, they are currently due to switch to the new service between summer 2025 and spring 2026. 

The new service from New Forest District Council will include new food waste collections, and wheelie bins for recycling and rubbish collections.

Cllr Geoffrey Blunden, portfolio holder for environment and sustainability said: “This is something we must do to meet government requirements to separate food waste, and our own targets to increase recycling rates, tackle climate change, and reduce the amount of overall general waste, and litter from sacks.”

Her added: "We are busy working on arrangements for the updated service, to ensure it works for the long term for our residents

“Nearer the time, we will write to residents and provide further details, including dates the new service will start in their area, how to use the service, how we can offer support, any changes to collection days, and when bins will be delivered.”

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Food waste will be collected every week, and recycling and rubbish will be collected on alternate weeks.

Glass will still be collected the same way it is now, every four weeks.

Properties will use the same container for glass which they currently use.

The council will offer a range of support, including specialist waste advisors who will be on hand to talk to residents.

The council is developing collections rounds, to understand exactly when each property in the district will join the new service. 

Before the new service is due to be rolled out, the authority will confirm which areas of the district fall within the three phases.