New waste collection service

Introduction to New Waste Collection Service

A new waste collection system is launching in May 2026, involving the use of wheelie bins and caddies, with phased implementation and detailed guidelines.

Phase 3 Area and Bin Delivery Process

Details about the rollout in phase 3, including delivery updates and reporting procedures.

• The new waste service starts in May 2026 for phase 3 areas.
• Households are receiving wheelie bins and caddies; check delivery updates at newforest.gov.uk/BinDeliveries.
• If bins are not received by Friday, 24 April 2026, report via the same link or contact authorities.
• Bins and caddies should not be used until the start date; continue using sacks until then.

Schedule and Details of New Waste Collections

Information on collection start dates, schedules, and what items are collected.

• Collections begin the week of 11 May 2026; exact dates are in the sent letter.
• Recycling and rubbish are collected on alternate weeks from new wheelie bins.
• Food waste is collected weekly from outdoor caddies on the same day as recycling or rubbish.
• Glass recycling is still collected every 4 weeks from a black collection box.
• Sacks will no longer be collected after the service starts.

Description of New Bins and Caddies

Details about the types, capacities, and labeling instructions for new containers.

• Recycling bin: 240L, green lid.
• Rubbish bin: 180L, black lid.
• Indoor food waste caddy: 5L, grey.
• Outdoor food waste caddy: 23L, brown.
• Glass collection box: 45L, black.
• Add property name/number to bins and caddies.
• Do not put bins out before the start date; continue using sacks.

Guidelines for Using Food Waste Caddies

Instructions on what can and cannot be placed in food waste caddies.

• Acceptable items: fruit, vegetables, baked goods, meat, fish, bones, seafood shells, pet food, tea bags, coffee grounds, dairy, eggs, scraps.
• Items not accepted: non-food items, packaging (except liners), garden waste, liquids, fats, oils.
• Liners can be replaced with newspaper, small bags, or purchased liners.
• Lock outdoor caddy lid by positioning handle upright.
• Put caddy out by 6am on collection day; waste goes to anaerobic digestion for renewable energy and fertiliser.

Proper Bin Placement and Collection Day Procedures

Best practices for bin placement and what to do on collection days.

• Place bins and caddies at the edge or curtilage of property, not obstructing footpaths or roads.
• Collection occurs between 6am and 2pm; timings may vary.
• Bins must have handles facing out, lids fully closed, and caddies in upright position.
• If overflowing or containing incorrect items, collection will be skipped with a notice.
• Extra waste can be left next to bins if flattened cardboard is included.
• Check collection schedule online or via the provided calendar.

Food Waste Recycling Items and Restrictions

Details on what food waste can be placed in caddies and what cannot.

• Allowed: fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meats, seafood, bones, shells, pet food, tea, coffee, dairy, eggs, scraps.
• Not allowed: non-food items, packaging, garden waste, liquids, fats, oils.
• Food waste is processed via anaerobic digestion to produce renewable energy and fertiliser.

Household Recycling Items and Guidelines

What can be recycled in the new system and preparation tips.

• Accepted: paper, cans, plastic bottles (lids on), aerosols, tins, cardboard (folded).
• Items must be empty, clean, dry; no sacks, bags, or liners in the bin.
• The same six items are accepted as in current recycling sacks.
• Recycling for more items is planned, dependent on new processing facilities.

Glass Recycling and Restrictions

Details on glass recycling collection and acceptable items.

• Use the black collection box for glass bottles and jars with lids on.
• Not accepted: drinking glasses, kitchenware, light bulbs, window glass.
• Items should be empty, clean, dry.

Household Rubbish and Waste Not Accepted

Guidelines for general waste and prohibited items.

• Waste: foil, polystyrene, nappies, gift wrap, plastic pots/trays.
• Wrap small sharp or broken items securely.
• Use sacks for general waste; sacks are not provided by the council.
• Not accepted: batteries, vapes, electrical items, business waste, bulky items, DIY waste, large sharp items.
• Large or sharp waste should be taken to waste and recycling centres.

Support Services and Additional Bin Options

Information on extra bins, assisted collections, and support for special needs.

• Extra waste or recycling capacity available for eligible households (medical needs, large families, nappies).
• Apply at newforest.gov.uk/BinRequest.
• Assisted collections available for those unable to put waste out due to disability or illness; more info at newforest.gov.uk/AssistedCollections.
• Bin or caddy loss, theft, or damage can be reported; they remain council property.

Handling Missed Collections and Contact Information

Procedures for reporting missed collections and contact details.

• Report missed collections by midday the next working day at newforest.gov.uk/MissedCollections.
• Early collection issues may occur as routes are adjusted.
• Collections are between 6am and 2pm; timings may vary.
• The service has already collected over 2,000 tonnes of food waste by February 2026, reducing incineration.
• Recycling rates are improving, and collections are safer and tidier.
• Stay updated via the website, social media, and email sign-up.
• Contact: waste.changes@nfdc.gov.uk, 023 8028 5393, newforest.gov.uk/WasteChanges.

This comprehensive overview covers all key points, facts, and critical data related to the new waste collection service rollout.