Public litter bins

We work with partners and the community to help prevent litter. We have installed over 1,300 public litter bins for disposing of different types of litter including general litter, recyclable litter, dog waste and barbecues.

If you cannot dispose of your litter in a public litter bin safely, take it home. Do not leave litter or bags of rubbish on the ground by the bin. Overspill and uncontained waste could cause a health risk and be classed as fly tipping.

Report a litter problem

If you are concerned about a litter problem or see a litter bin that needs emptying, you can report it to us. The more detail you provide will help us locate the problem and resolve it quickly.

You can report the problem using the online form below.

Report a litter problem

Alternatively, you can make a report by calling customer services on 023 8028 5000 or by email to customer.services@nfdc.gov.uk

You can also report issues with street cleaning and fly-tipping.

Types of public litter bins

There are a variety of public litter bins around the district. We assess the requirements at a site before installing the appropriate bin.

The types of bins we use include the following.

• Integrated recycling general litter bins. On-street recycling bins are placed at Lymington, Ringwood and Hythe where cans and plastic bottles can be separated from general, non-recyclable litter.
• Bird-proof coastal bins are positioned along our coastline, to prevent access by birds who then spread litter across the immediate area.
• Wooden-fronted coastal bins are for general, non-recyclable litter and dog bags. These are also bird-proof and offer a more aesthetic view than the standard mixed-waste bins.
• Mixed-waste bins. These bins are gradually replacing the separate dog waste and litter bins. All our general waste public litter bins can be used for bagged dog waste as well as litter.
• Heritage-themed litter bins are sympathetic to local history. These bins have recently been installed along Lymington High Street to complement the historic feel of the town.
• 'Pony-proof' forest bins are positioned where larger animals may access the waste. They help to prevent the spread of litter and injury to our cows, horses and donkeys. Do not place any litter next to these bins as this attracts these animals, and has been known to cause injury and even death. 
• BBQ disposal bins are being introduced at sites where barbecues are held. Although these are heatproof, you must ensure that your barbecue is extinguished before disposing of it.
• Larger wheelie bins are placed in areas of high footfall or waste, such as at lay-bys on or near public highways.

Public litter bins are emptied every day in areas where there is a high footfall, such as town centres or coastal areas. Litter bins in other areas may be emptied less frequently.

Help keep your streets clean

You can help us to keep New Forest clean in the following ways.

• Using a public litter bin or taking your litter home.
• Picking up after your dog.
• Putting out your black refuse sacks at the edge of your property no earlier than 6pm the day before, and by 6am on your collection day.
• Organising or participating in community litter picking.

We can provide support to community groups, clubs and schools who may want to organise voluntary community litter picking activity in their area.