A NEW recycling bin is being piloted in Fordingbridge.

The recycling bin for cartons, including fruit juice and milk, and paper cups has been installed at the long stay car park on Ringwood Road.

The initiative was proposed by Fordingbridge Greener Living and with the help of New Forest District Council has been made possible.

Wendy Reid, of Fordingbridge Greener Living, said: “It is the first in the district. We are really excited about having it in the town.

“We are trying to encourage as many people to use it. We want to get the message out there, if it is used they will make it a district-wide resource.”

Councillors Ann Sevier and Ann Bellows, who have helped to get the recycling bin put in place, said: “As the district councillors for Fordingbridge, we are so impressed by Fordingbridge Greener Living and the work they are doing to reduce waste. NFDC does have a number of recycling opportunities for our residents but it depends on people making the decision to take part.

“When Fordingbridge Greener Living asked us about the provision of a tetra bin to collect this ‘difficult to recycle’ item this was a great opportunity to have a trial bin in Fordingbridge.

“Please can we use the bin so that it becomes permanently part of the recycling available at Fordingbridge.”

Fordingbridge Greener Living has a number of projects and plans in the pipeline to help make the town more sustainable in the future and reduce waste.

It is planning to host a clothing exchange at Fordingbridge Library on September 20 where there will also be a raffle to raise money for the group’s future projects. Tickets are available from the Gourmet Grocer and Fordingbridge Bookshop.

Fordingbridge Greener Living is also in the process of setting up a community fridge, which it hopes to have up-and-running soon.

For more information email fordingbridgegreenerliving@gmail.com