Reuse of items at recycling sites
Currently it is not possible for site users to purchase or take items deposited as waste for reuse, but Somerset Waste Partnership supports other initiatives to allow reuse.
Due to safety considerations, lack of adequate space and the additional traffic it would encourage, we do not allow items deposited to be taken or be sold to site users.
Each site has a licensed reuse merchant, with whom special arrangements have been made to reclaim reusable items and sell them. Details are available at each site.
Somerset Waste Partnership also works closely with Furniture Reuse Groups in Somerset who can collect suitable items for reuse and supply these at low cost to those on low incomes. Signs to promote reuse groups have been installed at most recycling sites. We also encourage other forms of reuse, including donating good quality items to local charity shops, giving items away on very active local Freecycle and Freegle groups or selling items in local papers and adverts or selling through online auctions.
Somerset Waste Partnership are also currently working with sites operator, Viridor, on a number of trials to allow more items taken to recycling sites to be reused. The first trial for furniture and working with Sedgemoor Furniture Store has been set-up at Highbridge Recycling Centre. Further trials working with local charity shops and to test the resale of items on site are currently being planned.
When materials are deposited at recycling sites, they become the property of site contractor Viridor. Separated materials are sent for recycling or reuse. Waste that cannot be recycled is currently landfilled.