Refuse collections

Somerset Waste PartnershipRefuse collections

The standard refuse collection service for most households, (excluding communal properties) is fortnightly and is collected in a 180 litre wheeled refuse bin.

If your property is unsuitable for a wheeled bin (due to steps or lack of off-road storage), up to 4 sacks of refuse will be taken each collection.

When are my collection days?

Select your district below:

Not wanted in refuse

  • Food waste
  • Anything collected for recycling
  • Garden waste
  • Hot fuel (ash, charcoal, solid fuels from fires or barbeques) – allow to cool and bag before binning
  • Rubble, earth and stones
  • Batteries, household or vehicle
  • Aerosols (if empty add to recycling, do not pierce or crush)
  • Hypodermics
  • Bulky household items
  • Engine oil, paint or other chemicals
  • Business or commercial waste

Taken in refuse collections

Before putting anything in your bin check it cannot be recycled.

  • Plastic packaging (except bottles) and film
  • Vacuum cleaner contents
  • Cat, dog or other pet litter
  • Nappies (please consider using washable cloth nappies instead of disposables, which reduce waste and are also cheaper in the long run).
  • Cold ash (allow to cool before depositing in your bin and best to put in bags to prevent dust)
  • Contents of portable barbeques  (allow to cool before depositing in your bin and best to put in bags; rinse and recycle the aluminium tray with other foil)
  • Broken glass (ensure it is carefully wrapped)

Refuse service guidance

Contact your local council customer services to report missed refuse collections.

Unless you have an assisted collection, wheeled bins or sacks should be at the edge of your property by 7am on collection day (as collection times can vary) and no earlier than the night before.  Please take care not to obstruct pavements or roads and take bins back in as soon as possible after collections.

Bin lids should be closed and only refuse in the bin will be collected.  Extra refuse on top or alongside will not usually be taken.

If you occasionally have extra household waste for disposal, this can be saved until your next collection or taken to a Recycling Centre or Community Recycling Site.