FAMILIES throughout the Forest have 'bin' slimming as part of an initiative to cut down on household waste.

New Forest District Council and the eco-charity Going for Green challenged families to 'Slim Your Bin' - with amazing results.

The Windell family from Woodgreen near Fordingbridge achieved an outstanding eighty per cent reduction in the rubbish they produced.

The Dunsons from Holbury completed the challenge and achieved an excellent reduction in their trash - from 42.5 kg to 11.5 kg.

But the shining stars of the recycling world were the Marshall's from Ringwood who reduced the weight of their refuse to nothing by recycling and composting.

Mrs Marshall said: "It was fun to do and a good way of making the children think about how much they throw away every week."

Each family recycled papers, cans and glass and composted their kitchen waste in their brand new composters.

Some of the councils top tips for waste watching include:

* Using your own shopping bags rather than carrier bags.

* Re-using packaging for storage - boxes, jars, bottles etc.

* Composting garden waste, left over vegetable peelings, tea bags etc.

* Avoiding heavily packaged goods - eg buying loose fruit and vegetables.

* Avoid disposable items if possible.

The Council's Waste and Recycling officer Emma Cookson said: "I am extremely impressed with the result and very happy that all the families will continue to watch their waste in future."