MANY households in South Somerset were without the new Bright Blue Bags when the Recycle More collections started across the district last week.

Somerset Waste Partnership has apologised to households that have not yet received the Bright Blue Bags.

To request one, go to somersetwaste.gov.uk - use the My Waste Services menu and choose the ‘Waste boxes, bins and bags’ option.

If you do not have a bag in time for your next collection, leave the new materials, sorted if possible, in existing recycling boxes if there is space, or in a bag or cardboard box alongside your recycling containers.

Do not use a black bin liner. It will be mistaken for rubbish and left behind.

Although early days, last week’s initial collections suggest most people in the district are putting out the new materials in the right container on the right day.

A nationwide shortage of drivers is disrupting services in Somerset. Hard-working crews were out on Saturday catching-up on collections missed earlier in the week and getting things back on track.

Anyone who has had a missed rubbish or recycling collection, report it – online if possible - and SWP will return for it within two days if possible.

SWP is holding an out of hours Recycle More Facebook Q&A session today (Monday, July 5) from 7 to 8pm. Post your questions as comments @somersetwaste and the team will respond.

Recycle More has added the following to the weekly kerbside recycling collections:

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

More recycling means less rubbish, so rubbish bins and bags will be collected every three weeks rather than every two.

Residents can use the calendar in their 'Recycle More is coming soon' leaflet to see their new collection days for the next 12 months. Collection days will be changing for around a third of households.

Everyone needs to put different things into different containers. Check your leaflet and blue bag tag for your simple, colour-coded explanation of what goes where.

The Bright Blue Bags should be used for:

  • Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays (rinsed and squashed/nested);
  • Tins and cans (rinsed and, if safe, crushed);
  • Aerosols (empty);
  • Foil (rinsed).

Green box – glass bottles and jars, and cartons, including Tetra Pak.

Black box – paper and card.

Brown food waste bin – all food waste.

Carrier bags – small household batteries, small electrical items (crews will return bags).

Recycle More has been running in Mendip since October where it has seen 100 tonnes of extra recycling collected every week.