All of Somerset’s 16 recycling sites have closed.
A spokesperson for Somerset Waste Partnership said:
“Due to the large number of users at recycling sites, it has been impossible to maintain the required social distancing to ensure the safety of both our teams and users of the facilities.
In order to protect members of the public and employees, all 16 recycling sites will be closed until they can be operated safely.
In the meantime, it is strongly recommended that everyone should follow the Government advice and stay at home.”
All garden waste collections have been suspended from today (Monday).
Following reduced staffing due to coronavirus leading to collections being dropped in several areas last week and with pressures highly likely to increase, Somerset Waste Partnership has suspended garden waste collections until further notice so staff can focus on collecting recycling, refuse and clinical waste.
Somerset Waste Partnership is urging anyone with symptoms of coronavirus to follow Government advice when disposing of personal waste.
It’s for anyone with symptoms, including those diagnosed with the infection who must remain at home until they are well.
It also applies to people in households with someone showing symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus – a new, continuous cough and/or high temperature.
Personal waste, such as tissues and disposable cleaning cloths, should be stored securely in disposable rubbish bags. These should then be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste within your home.
This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual rubbish outside your house, which will be collected as part of the usual fortnightly collections.
Other household waste can be disposed of as normal. Full guidance can be found on the Government’s website.