NEW PLANS to shake up the way Somerset's waste is collected have been agreed.

The Recycle More scheme was agreed today (December 16) by the Somerset Waste Board and will see refuse collections moved to once every three weeks alongside weekly recycling collections.

The new cost-cutting plans will see a wider range of materials able to be recycled in the weekly collections, including plastic tubs and trays, small electrical items, and batteries. 

Changes in the collections will come into place from Autumn 2017, subject to the delivery of the new collection vans.

Residents expressed their views to the County Gazette about concerns for bigger families, increased fly-tipping, and the guidelines for what can be recycled.

Provisions will be put in place to allow extra refuse for larger families, alongside sacks for nappies. 

Somerset Waste Board chairman, Cllr Derek Yeomans, said: “Recycle More is a huge step forward for Somerset residents to maximise recycling, minimise residual waste, and make big savings to invest in other vital services.

“If people recycle all they can, including every scrap of food, they will have very few problems, but if anyone does face difficulties after Recycle More starts, they just need to ask their local council for advice or extra help.”

During the meeting at County Hall in Taunton, the partners unanimously agreed to pass the new plans put forward by Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP).

The councillors commended SWP for its thorough presentation of the new scheme, which was previously trialled in Wiveliscombe in 2014. 

SWP development and monitoring manager, David Mansell outlined the main concerns of the county and district councils including staff training and enforcement of the new rules. 

The councillors also discussed the provisions for cardboard collections. 

Taunton Deane Borough Council Cllr, Patrick Berry, said: "We are seeing an increase in the quantities of cardboard and it is difficult for that to be folded to fit within the boxes given.

"Internet shopping is becoming more popular which leaves households with more cardboard.

"If there are not suitable provisions in place to get rid of the cardboard then people could end up putting it in their black bins."

Cllr Yeomans, said: "Residents will need to get rid of their cardboard in the most recycle-proof way.

"People will have to go to recycling centres to get rid of it.

"Vans end up returning nearly empty just because the cardboard compartment is full."

Managing director, Steve Read, echoed this response and stated that residents could put a reasonable amount of folded up next to the bin on collection days or take excess cardboard to recycling centres.