It has now been six weeks since every household in North Somerset transitioned to three-weekly black bin collections, and early results suggest the change is already making a positive impact, according to the council.
North Somerset Council extends its gratitude to residents for embracing the new system, which has contributed to reducing general waste and boosting recycling rates. More food waste and recyclable materials are being diverted from landfill, helping to protect the environment and manage costs.
In June, North Somerset became the first local authority in the UK to collect plastic bags and soft plastic wrapping directly from the kerbside. Soft plastics include items like bread bags, crisp packets, salad bags, plastic film lids, and cling film — lightweight materials that often clutter black bins and are commonly overlooked during recycling.
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Residents are asked to compress their soft plastics into a plastic carrier or bread bag, tie it tightly to remove excess air, and place it alongside their glass recycling. To ensure high-quality recycling, these plastics must be clean and dry prior to collection.
Councillor Annemieke Waite, North Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment, said: “I’d like to thank everyone for giving it a go. By making small changes at home—wasting less and recycling more—people across the area are helping protect the environment and keep costs down.”
She added, “We understand that change takes time, but most people have adapted well. We appreciate everyone’s efforts. Every banana skin in the food caddy and every plastic bottle in the red bag makes a difference.”
While many households have seen positive results, some residents have experienced missed collections as crews adapt to new routes. Those affected can report issues at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/report-missed-collection. Councillor Waite reassured residents, “We apologize for any inconvenience and are committed to maintaining high service standards. Please report any missed collections, and download the North Somerset Council app to receive updates and reminders about bin collections.”
Regarding the fate of collected soft plastics, Councillor Waite explained: “Currently, these materials are stored at our Weston-super-Mare transfer station while we collaborate with specialist recycling companies. Our goal is to recycle them within the UK or Europe, where recycling technology is more advanced.”
The collected plastics are baled and sent to specialist facilities for sorting, shredding, and washing. Some plastics will be processed into pellets for new packaging, while others will be transformed into bin bags, building materials, or outdoor furniture. In some cases, advanced recycling methods break the plastics down into oils and gases for reuse in manufacturing.
Since the scheme’s launch on 9 June, the North Somerset Environment Company (NSEC) has collected over 30 tonnes of soft plastics—more than twice the council’s initial projections.
The rapid improvement in soft plastic recycling aligns with the government’s plan to have every council in England collect plastic bags and soft plastics from the kerbside by 2027.