Tens of thousands of red recycling bags issued across North Somerset are set to be replaced after reports surfaced of them falling apart at the seams. Introduced last year for plastic and metal recycling, many of these bags have turned white and started disintegrating when exposed to sunlight over time.
North Somerset Council estimates that 75% of the red bags in circulation are affected and has placed an order for 88,000 new, more durable replacements. A council spokesperson explained, “These newer bags are designed to address the durability issues experienced with earlier supplies, which were caused by a production defect.”
Residents who have already requested replacements are receiving the new bags first. Following that, the council will deploy dedicated teams to accompany the recycling collection rounds, systematically replacing bags that are faded or broken. The process will be carried out in phases, with crews inspecting and swapping bags on site.
READ MORE: Blocked Fire Exits and Overcrowding Raise Safety Concerns at Royal United Hospital in Bath
READ MORE: ‘Superb’ BBC True Crime Drama Filmed in Somerset Based on Shocking True Story
The spokesperson added, “There’s no need for residents to contact us or place new orders during this rollout. We will communicate directly to inform households ahead of the collections, so they know what to expect.”
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to continue using their existing red bags as long as possible and to sort recycling carefully into their current boxes to minimize disruption.
So far, 22,000 of the new bags have been delivered, with an additional 66,000 expected to arrive in batches throughout the year.
The red bags were first introduced in November 2024 to 6,000 households as a trial to improve recycling rates. While initially well-received, some users found them too large. North Somerset Council then ordered slightly smaller bags, which were rolled out to all households by March 2025. Both orders came from the same “very reputable firm.”
The original trial bags did not encounter issues, but the bags from the full rollout started deteriorating within months. After lengthy negotiations, the council secured a refund for the defective full-rollout bags in December 2025.
Additionally, the council has temporarily paused new orders for replacement recycling containers of other types due to a surge in demand causing operational delays. They plan to restart orders gradually once backlogs clear and service levels normalize. Residents can check the council’s website for updates on this situation.