ALL ‘business as usual’ items are now being accepted across Somerset Waste Partnership’s (SWP’s) recycling centres.

All 16 sites, including at Poole near Wellington and Minehead, can now take cardboard, as well as commercial waste and other waste visitors pay to dispose of – including tyres, gas bottles, soil and hardcore, vehicle parts, plasterboard and asbestos.

‘Shop-style’ social distancing is in place and sites are at times busy. SWP is encouraging people to only go along if they really need to and make sure they use their weekly recycling collections – which include cardboard – wherever possible.

Trailers and vans can now access the sites at any time during opening hours, as long as they have the appropriate permit.

Staff are unable to offer any assistance with unloading or handling, and the following safety restrictions remain in place: gloves to be worn when outside the vehicle; maximum of two people per household; strict social distancing.

Anyone planning to take items that are fit for reuse is asked to keep hold of them for the time being. At the moment they are being recycled while a safe way to handle them is finalised.

All sites are open for their usual summer hours. They are busiest first thing in the morning and quieter between 4-6pm.

Queue cams are operating for Minehead and people are advised to check these before they visit at www.somersetwaste.gov.uk/recycling-centre-queue-cams/

SWP managing director Mickey Green said: “Things are getting nearer to normal at our sites, as they are everywhere, but they can be busy and we would still urge people to come only if they really need to.

“The last few months have seen a lot of disruption and more people spending more time at home. It’s a great chance to really think about how we can all reduce what we waste and come out of the pandemic ‘greener’ than when it started.

“Most people in Somerset are recycling and it protects our environment, helps tackle climate change and saves taxpayer pounds.”

For more information about how to reduce, reuse and recycle waste, visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk and follow @somersetwaste on Twitter and Facebook.