HOUSEHOLDERS in Somerset are being warned of missed kerbside recycling pick ups due to the heatwave and staff shortages.

A number of collections were left at the roadside yesterday (Monday, July 11) and Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) says more will not be taken away today (Tuesday, July 12).

An SWP spokesperson said householders most impacted are in parts of South Somerset and Mendip.

Pick ups missed yesterday and today are being rescheduled for Saturday (July 16).

They added that the disruption is caused by heightened sickness, including Covid, and the impact of the hot weather on crews doing a physically demanding job.

Yesterday's affected collections were mostly in Frome and villages around Ilminster. Today's are mainly in Yeovil and villages around Castle Cary.

If your recycling collection is missed yesterday or today, leave your bins and blue bag out before 7am on Saturday for collection.

The SWP spokesperson said rubbish and garden waste collections should not be affected, and nor should clinical or assisted collections.

With extreme temperatures forecast to continue for some time to come, SWP is asking for patience as depleted crews do their best to keep up with collections.

The spokesperson added: “We know it can be really frustrating when collections are delayed, especially when the weather is so hot, and we sincerely apologise for that.

“The crews are working hard in really trying conditions and we would ask everyone to be as understanding as possible in the coming days.”

If your collection is missed, you are asked to make the most of the space in boxes and bags by crushing, squashing and flattening recycling items.

Storing food waste for longer periods can be difficult, especially in hot weather, but the following advice may help:

keep the food waste caddy and bin somewhere shady and cool;

if it has to go, you can double-bag it and take it to a recycling site for the Energy from Waste skip;

it can go into your kerbside rubbish bin – double-bagging reduces smells;

if you have the space and time, home compost.

For the latest information visit somersetwaste.gov.uk and follow @somersetwaste on social media