Introduction

Somerset Council is responsible for waste services for more than 260,000 households. Adjustments must be made to make sure services are accessible to all, for example providing extra help with collections and at recycle sites.

Assisted collections

Assisted collections are available for people unable to take containers to the kerbside for collections. They can leave containers at an agreed point outside their home on their property for collection.

There is no charge for this service.

Read more about assisted collections

To apply for an assisted collection, use the My Waste Services feature.

Occasional contact will be made to check the service is still required.

Clinical waste collections

Clinical waste collections are available for people who produce certain medical waste.

There is no charge for this service.

Read more about clinical waste collections

To apply for a clinical waste collection, use the My Waste Services feature.

Additional capacity

If there is a genuine need, residents can make a request for additional refuse capacity. If approved, this can be in the form of a larger bin or ‘extra waste’ stickers to put on refuse sacks.

Extra refuse capacity can be provided when, for example:

• Extra sanitary waste is produced due to children in nappies or adult incontinence.
• The resident finds it difficult to understand and manage the recycling services.
• A large number of people live in the household.

To request additional refuse capacity, use the My Waste Services feature.

Recycling sites

Somerset’s recycle site staff help customers who may find it difficult to load or unload waste. The only exception is handling asbestos.

Information formats

All service information can be available in other languages and large print, Braille and audio formats on request. These options are promoted on all our printed literature.

Service change and impact assessments

Whenever a significant change to services is proposed, we consider the impact it could have on all our residents.

A formal assessment process allows us to analyse potential impact of service changes on people within Somerset’s Protected Characteristic groups

We use a variety of ways to better understand our customers’ needs.

The Somerset Intelligence Network is an excellent resource for understanding the nature and circumstances of the county’s local populations.

We also make use of customer feedback provided through the My Waste Services feature, reviewing it for themes and trends and issues that need action.

Privacy

In providing a wide range of services, Somerset Council processes large amounts of your personal data.

For information about how we process data visit our privacy policies.