Case Study - Waste and Recycling in Somerset

The Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) is a successful partnership between the six local authorities in Somerset. The partnership has improved the efficiency of waste and recycling collections and significantly booster rates of recycling in the County. The Partnership continues to expand and improve its services to

ensure less waste goes to landfill and more is recycled.

Background

In October 2007, Somerset became the first countywide area to combine waste service functions. Previously the District and Borough Councils collected household waste, whilst Somerset County Council managed the waste disposal and the Household Waste Recycling Centres. SWP now manages waste collection, recycling and disposal services for all 228,000 Somerset homes. Since its implementation in 2007 the SWP has achieved a 50% recycling rate in Somerset and reduced the amount of waste going to landfill. The SWP is confident it will continue to achieve its ambitious

Clatworthy Reservoir

targets for NI191 Percentage of residual waste per household.

How is it making a difference in Somerset?

Household recycling

SWP are expanding its services to include cardboard and plastic bottles as part of the SORT IT PLUS scheme. SORT IT PLUS involves weekly collections of recycling and food waste and remaining refuse is collected fortnightly. All districts are signed up and committed to the new scheme, subject to final budget setting. The introduction of this scheme could see huge increases in recycling and halve the amount of waste set to landfill.

Cllr Derek Yeomans, Chair of the Somerset Waste Board, says "This is very good news and partnership working at its best. Because we're working together each individual district is getting their residents a better deal for introducing SORT IT PLUS. Countywide we're recycling about 50% at the moment and that could rise to around 60% once the service is fully rolled out."

With landfill taxes it currently costs around £60.00 to dispose of a tonne of waste in landfill sites. Taxes on this are set to rise in the next few years, meaning recycling is a more cost effective option for council tax payers.

The SORT IT PLUS scheme will be rolled out throughout 2010.

Local Businesses

Recycling and reducing waste can help businesses make significant savings. The SWP provides impartial advice to local businesses on setting up recycling collections, finding a suitable recycling contractor; it also provides pointers on reducing waste and finding alternative solutions such as waste prevention and reuse.

Helen Rider, SWP's new Business Recycling Advisor explains: "It is possible to make small cost-free or low-cost changes that can make big savings. Other quick wins can be made to save money on energy and water costs too. I want to build good relationships with the business community, to show that with the right advice doing the right thing for environment and helping the bottom line go hand in hand."

For more information

For more information on waste and recycling in Somerset visit www.somersetwaste.gov.uk or contact SWP on 01823 625700 or e-mail enquiries@somersetwaste.gov.uk