Eco & Environment, Ringwood | Posted on October 13th, 2026 | return to news

Eco-friendly wheelie bin design for Ringwood

Ringwood School student Georgina Wilson’s design transforms a practical wheelie bin store into a miniature garden habitat.

A Ringwood School student has designed an eco-friendly wheelie bin. Year 12 student Georgina Wilson’s innovative idea has been brought to life through a collaboration between Ringwood Town Council, Ringwood School, Greening Ringwood and local businesses and volunteers.

The project began in 2025 when the Town Council teamed up with Ringwood School to challenge students to rethink something found outside almost every home – the humble wheelie bin.

The Ringwood Eco Wheelie Bin Store Challenge asked students to design an innovative, practical and environmentally friendly storage solution that could do more than simply hide their wheelie bins.

Students were encouraged to think creatively about incorporating green roofs, pollinator-friendly planting, wildlife features, sustainable materials and attractive design, turning an everyday household necessity into something that could also benefit nature.

Georgina took on the challenge and developed an imaginative design that transforms a practical wheelie bin store into a miniature garden habitat.

Her design incorporates a living green roof, pollinator-friendly planting and wildlife features, while providing a practical solution for storing wheelie bins. Georgina carefully considered the materials, planting and construction, demonstrating how good design can combine practicality, sustainability and creativity.

But the idea wasn’t going to remain on paper. With the help of Bob, a Greening Ringwood volunteer, Georgina has seen her design become a full-size prototype. Bob generously opened his workshop and shared his time, practical skills and knowledge to help turn Georgina’s design into reality.

The project has also received valuable support from The Fencing Centre in Chapel Lane, Hurn, which generously donated the timber used to construct the wheelie bin store.

The finished prototype will now be displayed at Ringwood Library, thanks to Hampshire County Council, giving residents the opportunity to see Georgina’s original concept brought to life.

Cllr Rae Frederick, who originally brought the idea forward, said: “What started as a design challenge at Ringwood School has become something tangible that the whole community can see. Georgina has put an enormous amount of thought into her design, thinking about sustainability, biodiversity and how an everyday object can become something much more positive.

“It has been fantastic to see the idea develop from a drawing on paper into a real wheelie bin store, thanks to Georgina, Bob and everyone who has supported the project. It is exactly the sort of community collaboration that we should be encouraging.

“I hope the finished project inspires other young people to look at everyday problems differently and think creatively about how they could make a difference.”

County councillor Martin Eyre has been supportive of the project and is looking at how it could link with Hampshire County Council’s Parish Pollinator Pledge, helping to promote pollinator-friendly planting and biodiversity across the county.

The project reflects a simple idea: practical structures in gardens, such as wheelie bin stores, can be designed to provide additional habitat for bees, butterflies and other insects. If similar approaches were adopted by more households, these small pockets of planting could collectively contribute to a more wildlife-friendly town.

The Town Council hopes the display will encourage residents to think about the opportunities to incorporate nature into everyday spaces and demonstrate how small changes can make a positive contribution to biodiversity.

Georgina’s eco-friendly wheelie bin store is now on display at Ringwood Library for the community to see.