Community recycling banks

Community recycling banks are places where you can deposit recyclable household waste, and other materials such as textiles and books.

Although we collect some recyclable household waste in the clear recycling sacks, community recycling banks are useful for any excess waste you may want to get rid of.

You can find community recycling banks in frequently used locations around New Forest, such as car parks and supermarkets.

Coronavirus changes to community recycling banks

Clothing and textile recycling banks

We have received notice from our clothing/textile recycling bank contractor that their operations are closed. Clothing and textile banks will not be emptied until further notice. 

Store your unwanted clothing and textiles at home.

Mixed recycling and glass banks

We are prioritising collection of household rubbish and recycling. Continue to recycle from home as much as possible using your clear recycling sack and glass box.

Do not take additional glass and recycling to our recycling banks until further notice. 

• Any overspill or uncontained waste at the recycling banks can cause a health and fire risk.
• Recycling left on the ground is classed as fly-tipping.
• CCTV cameras operate in these areas. 

What you can recycle

Our community recycling locations have two types of recycling banks.

Green: for glass bottles and jars, of all colours and sizes.

Blue: for all mixed recycling.

You can use the blue banks for the following materials only.

• Paper and cardboard.
• Tins, cans and aerosols.
• Plastic bottles.

At some locations, there are charity-run recycling banks for clothing/textiles, shoes, books and CDs.

We have recently introduced a trial recycling bank for cartons and Tetra Paks in Fordingbridge. Its continuation will be based on whether the collection of cartons and Tetra Paks is sustainable.

What you cannot recycle

There are some household materials that you cannot put in your clear recycling sack or take to a community recycling bank. These include:

• small and large electrical items
• household and garden chemicals
• wood and furniture.

You may be able to dispose of some items at the tip. 

Alternatively, you may be able to use our bulky waste collection service. 

Community recycling bank locations

Refer to the table below for the locations of our community recycling bank sites and the materials collected at each site.

Community recycling banks are for household waste only. They cannot be used by businesses or traders.

Find out how to dispose of business waste.