Rethink! Recycling Event Proves a Huge Success

Last Saturday, St Marks Church Hall in Pennington buzzed with activity as residents came together for the Rethink! Recycling event, organised by New Forest Friends of the Earth and Lymington Transition. Designed to highlight practical ways to reduce waste and recycle responsibly, the event attracted a fantastic response from the community

Impressive Recycling Efforts

The variety of items collected reflected the community’s dedication to sustainability. Thousands of medicine blister packs were handed in, showcasing a widespread effort to reduce pharmaceutical waste. Hundreds of coathangers were also gathered, ensuring they will either be reused or responsibly recycled. Meanwhile, a large haul of aluminium cans and foil was donated, helping to raise funds for Pennington Community Allotment.

Mobiles for Oxfam

Surprising Volume of E-Waste

The number of old electronics brought in exceeded expectations, requiring an extra van to transport them to Peacock’s Computers. From there, they were sent to Jamie’s Computers, a Southampton-based social enterprise that refurbishes IT equipment and provides valuable training opportunities. By ensuring these items are reused where possible, the initiative helps prevent electronic waste from ending up in landfill.

Old towels

Engaging Activities and Contributions

The event was about more than just recycling—it also encouraged reuse and conscious consumer choices. Visitors enthusiastically took part in a clothes swap, giving garments a new lease of life. The Fairtrade café proved popular, serving ethically sourced refreshments, while outside in the sunshine, St Mark’s took the opportunity to run a bric-a-brac stall, adding to the lively atmosphere.

PIll packets

Generous Donations

Beyond recycling, the event also facilitated some meaningful donations. 120 pairs of glasses were collected for New Milton Lions, who will pass them on to Lions International for reuse. A large box of foreign currency, CDs, and old jewellery was donated to Oxfam, including some interesting vintage pieces. Additionally, 82 mobile phones were handed in, with some older models potentially gaining collector’s value in the future.

Coathangers and Clothes Swaps

A Big Thank You

The success of the event was made possible through the support of local businesses and organisations. We are very grateful to:

   •   Peacock’s Computers for handling the e- waste and working with Jamie’s Computers.

   •   Clockwork Yellow for accepting the vast number of collected coathangers.

   •   Rohan Lymington for their involvement and support.

   •   Waitrose Lymington for collecting corks & disposable vapes, as well as supporting the

Fairtrade Big Brew.

   •   Figgures for recycling old bicycle inner tubes.

   •   New Milton Lions for managing the spectacle collection.

   •   Boots for helping address the growing need to recycle pill packets in Lymington.

The overwhelming community response highlights the growing commitment to sustainable living. With such strong engagement, New Forest Friends of the Earth and Lymington Transition look forward to building on this momentum. They also hope that other communities will come forward with similar initiatives