Why SORT IT! 

Why Change?

All Somerset authorities are introducing new services visit the Recycle for Somerset website (external link).

Financial reasons:

For every tonne of waste landfilled, the Council has to pay a landfill tax (this is in addition to the actual cost of landfill). At present this tax is £15 per tonne. The Government has stated that this will rise by £3 per tonne each year until it surpasses £35 per tonne - a significant increase in the cost of landfilling waste.

The Government has also placed restrictions on the amount of biodegradable waste (any material which rots) that is sent to landfill after 2005. If we exceed the restriction we will be fined an estimated £150 per tonne. This is on top of the landfill tax, and the actual cost of landfill.

Environmental reasons:

When buried in a landfill site, organic materials break down to release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and a liquid (leachate) that is potentially hazardous.

The Government has set recycling targets to divert waste away from less sustainable options such as landfill.

What is SORT IT!

Firstly you will be informed by letter when you are due to come onto the scheme.

Grey Wheeled Bin

Grey Wheeled bin - fortnightly refuse collection

Where appropriate, properties in Taunton Deane will be given, free of charge, one wheeled bin. This will be coloured grey and is intended for the collection of rubbish that cannot be recycled. The bin will be emptied fortnightly.

Brown Bin and Caddy

Brown bin and caddy - Weekly food waste collection

To accommodate the food waste each household will be given a further two containers. A kitchen caddy for collecting the food waste in the kitchen and a second larger container for containing the food waste for collection. Kerbside collection will be carried out weekly.

Green Box

Green box - Kerbside recycling collection rounds

All materials which can be recycled such as paper, glass, cans, aluminium foil, textiles and shoes, car batteries and engine oil.

Green Wheeled Bin or Sacks

Green wheeled bin or sacks - chargable garden waste collections

Garden waste will not be collected with refuse (Grey bin). So if you have a garden then you have the option of hiring a green wheeled bin or purchasing special paper sacks. The scheme is a fortnightly collection.

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