Taunton Recycling Site will reopen on Monday (13 November) after a month-long closure caused by a major fire.

Demolition of an unsafe building badly damaged in the fire is due to be finished by the end of this week, meaning the site can be safely used by the public again from Monday.

Wellington and Bridgwater Recycling Sites, which have been open seven days a week since Taunton closed, will revert to their original opening hours from Monday – Wellington will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and Bridgwater closed Wednesdays.

Somerset Council is warning that the reopened site in Priorswood is likely to be very busy in the first few days. Residents are urged to wait if they can and to check the online queue camera before setting off.

The site, which is run on the council’s behalf by Biffa, was forced to close after a major fire took hold of the neighbouring Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Fire damage to the MRF was severe and structural engineers deemed it damaged beyond repair.

From Monday 13 November, Taunton Recycling Site will be open seven days a week between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday. During busier times staff will meet and greet visitors to help with the flow of traffic.

Councillor Dixie Darch, Executive Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change said:

We know that residents have been waiting patiently to access the recycling site – we thank you for your understanding and patience during this period of closure.

Safety had to be our priority and we couldn’t open the site until it was safe to do so. The first few weeks of reopening are likely to be extremely busy, if you are able to continue to safely store your waste, please hold off your visit for the time being.

Taunton Recycling site has queue cams which visitors can check ahead of their visit to help plan for a quieter time.

For opening times and a list of everything accepted at the recycling site visit: www.somerset.gov.uk/locations/taunton-recycling-centre.