Residents of Somerset will soon have a reason to celebrate as recycling centres across the county will no longer charge for the disposal of DIY waste starting January 1. A recent legislative change will allow households to dispose of specific DIY waste, such as asbestos, plasterboard, hardcore, and rubble, for free at recycling centres. Each household can dispose of up to eight, 50-litre sacks or equivalent two-meter sheets of asbestos or plasterboard for free each month, with a maximum of four visits.
It is essential for households to book their trips in advance, specifying the amount of waste to be disposed of and the number of visits required. Additional disposal beyond the free allowance can be paid for through the Somerset Council website. For those needing to dispose of asbestos and plasterboard before the year-end, online payment options are still available.
Online bookings will open from January 2, accessible through the waste and recycling section of the council’s website. Residents without online access can make bookings by contacting customer services. Prior to visiting, residents are advised to check which types of waste are accepted at each site.
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It’s worth noting that the free disposal is exclusive to Somerset householders, as trade-related construction and demolition waste does not qualify for this benefit. Trade construction and demolition waste, excluding trade asbestos, is accepted by Biffa at a charge, although not all sites accept plasterboard.
This change is part of a wider effort to streamline waste management processes and encourage responsible disposal practices in Somerset.