Tag: gardening

Waste updates

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Collections will be a day later during the week beginning Monday 31 August.

  • No collections on Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August.
  • Collections will be one day later for the rest of the week including those on Friday 4 September, which will now take place on Saturday 5 September.
  • Recycling sites that usually open on a Monday will still be open for the bank holiday.
Usual collection dayRevised collection day
Monday 31 AugustTuesday 1 September
Tuesday 1 SeptemberWednesday 2 September
Wednesday 2 SeptemberThursday 3 September
Thursday 3 SeptemberFriday 4 September
Friday 4 SeptemberSaturday 5 September

Since January 2026, there have been eight fires at Somerset waste facilities or on collection vehicles, with four caused by incorrectly disposed batteries and vapes. These items can be damaged during collection and processing, causing them to overheat and ignite. 

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in everyday items such as mobile phones, laptops, power tools, toys and e-bikes. 

Please, never place loose batteries, vapes or electrical items in your general rubbish bin. 

Residents are reminded to:

  • Never place loose batteries or electrical items, including those containing batteries in general waste bins.
  • Use designated battery and vape recycling points, often available in supermarkets, or place them in a small, clear tied bag and leave on top of recycling boxes for kerbside collection.
  • Take unwanted electrical items to local recycling centres.
  • Small electrical items (excluding monitors, TVs or microwaves) can be collected from the kerbside, they should be left in carrier bags for collection.
  • Residents can use the online lookup at recycleyourelectricals.org.uk for your nearest battery and electrical drop-off points.

For more information on safely recycling lithium-ion batteries and electrical items, visit our Waste pages

Temporary limit on fridge and freezer recycling

Fridge waste -GettyImages-2249851848 - richjem
During August, Somerset recycling sites will only accept one fridge, freezer or other cooling appliance per household because of a national shortage of specialist reprocessing capacity.Residents are asked to hold off bringing these items to recycling sites if they can be stored safely, or to use retailer take-back schemes where available, especially when buying a replacement appliance.The temporary limit applies to household users only. These appliances will not be accepted from commercial users.The situation will be kept under review and may continue beyond August if national capacity remains limited.

Top up with tap water this summer

Person topping up a reusable water bottle on MInehead Sea Front
While the hot weather continues across the region, don’t forget to head out with a water bottle and stay hydrated on-the-go.Save on the cost of buying a drink in a single-use plastic bottle or can. Many shops or cafes will provide free water bottle top ups, plus there are several easy-to-access water refill points thanks to Wessex Water which have helped to save thousands of plastic bottles. Find a map of locations via their website.

Severe weather warning

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Please help share these key messages:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm) and if you are out, wear a hat
    and sunscreen and stay in the shade where possible
  • Keep indoor spaces cool where possible, by drawing curtains or blinds
  • Check on older or vulnerable people
  • Avoid unnecessary travel
  • We would also remind people to take care around open water during hot
    weather, as swimming in open water can cause cold water shock and hidden
    hazards can pose serious risks even on very warm days.

Waste arrangements to change following heat health warning

Changes to recycling and rubbish collections and recycling site opening times

Somerset Council, alongside its waste contractors Biffa and SUEZ, is advising residents of temporary changes to waste services on Wednesday and Thursday (24 – 25 June 2026), due to the forecast high temperatures.

The changes support the welfare of collection and recycling site crews, as well as keeping the safety of the public in mind.

The changes will reduce the risk of heat stress following the announcement of a red heat health alert by UKSHA (UK Health Security Agency).

Recycling, rubbish, bulky waste and clinical collections

Waste collection services, operated by SUEZ, will take place from 6am to midday on Wednesday and Thursday.

No collections will take place after midday on those days.

Any recycling not collected on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon will not be returned for. Residents should take it back in and present it again on their next scheduled recycling collection day.

Rubbish and garden waste collections that are not completed on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon will be collected on Saturday.

Any uncollected clinical or bulky waste collections will be completed later in the week, including Saturday. Disruption to these services is expected to be minimal.

Residents are asked to put their recycling, rubbish and garden waste out the night before their scheduled collection day, or by 6am at the latest.

Recycling sites

All 16 of Somerset’s Recycling Sites, which are operated by Biffa, will amend opening hours to close to the public from midday on Wednesday and Thursday.

Closing the sites at noon helps to protect both the team’s that work there, as well as encouraging residents to avoid tasks that may be strenuous in hot weather, like moving and lifting materials.

Hot weather food waste advice

As temperatures rise, residents are reminded that a few simple steps can help keep food waste containers clean and reduce smells or pests:

  • Keep food waste bin lids closed to reduce smells and pests
  • Store bins in a shaded area where possible
  • Line caddies with newspaper or compostable liners
  • Clean caddies regularly to keep them hygienic
  • Freeze food waste until collection day to help prevent odour and flies

Residents are encouraged to keep up to date with any changes to waste services through Somerset Council’s website and Somerset Waste social media channels.