THE Chard and Ilminster area sees a new era in recycling this summer with the arrival in South Somerset of Recycle More.

Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) is introducing the expanded recycling collections across the district at the end of June following a successful launch in Mendip.

Most people in Somerset are recycling and Recycle More makes it easier for everyone to do even more, helping protect the environment, tackle climate change and save taxpayers’ money.

The new service adds the following items to weekly recycling collections:

  • Plastic pots, tubs and trays.
  • Food and drink cartons.
  • Small batteries.
  • Small electrical items.

Every home will have a new recycling container – a ‘Bright Blue Bag’ - delivered a week or two before the new service starts.

People will need to put different things into different containers, with the bag used for plastic pots, tubs and trays; and metal items like tins, cans, tin foil and empty aerosols.

Extra weekly recycling means far less rubbish, so rubbish bins or black sacks will be collected every three weeks instead of every two.

Collection days will change for around a third of residents.

Everyone will be sent information about Recycle More twice before the service starts, at six weeks and three weeks before launch.

This will include a collection day calendar and guide to what recycling goes into which container.

South Somerset residents can prepare for Recycle More now by making sure they have the containers they need to make full use of weekly recycling collections.

Everyone can have a green and a black recycling box, plus a food waste bin.

New or replacement containers can be ordered free of charge from the SWP website using the My Waste Service feature or by calling your local district council.

Extra support is available for anyone with concerns about Recycle More.

Garden and clinical waste pick-ups will not change with Recycle More.