Good news for gardeners – most non-black plastic plant pots can now be recycled from home in Somerset.

The change follows the introduction of new national Simpler Recycling rules, which aim to make recycling collections more consistent across England. Somerset residents can now place non-black plastic plant pots in their Bright Blue Bag alongside other plastic pots, tubs and trays.

Before recycling, plant pots should be emptied and reasonably clean. Black plastic plant pots cannot currently be recycled through kerbside collections and should be reused where possible or placed in the rubbish bin. Black plant pots can’t be recycled because the black pigment they contain is not recognised by optical sorting machines. These should continue to be reused where possible, and if not, placed in the rubbish bin.

Reusing plant pots is always the best option, and many local garden centres offer plant pot swap areas. Residents can also take plastic plant pots to Somerset recycling sites for recycling.