Direct feed from Ilminster Press


Click the title to read the full article

Ilminster Forum Updates

Brush-up on recycling: give your toothpaste tubes a second life!

Somerset Council and their collections contractor, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK are among the first in the country to start collecting empty toothpaste tubes for recycling at the kerbside.

Recent changes to the materials used in the production of toothpaste tubes means that most can now be recycled in the Bright Blue Bag – so long as it says ‘recyclable’ on the tube.

Nationally, it is estimated that around 3 million toothpaste tubes are thrown away each year.

Councillor Richard Wilkins said: “We’re always looking at ways to recycle more materials from home. With toothpaste tubes an item that everyone has, being able to recycle from home is great news.

“By simply using up as much as possible and placing them in your bright blue recycling bag, you can help reduce plastic waste from being thrown in the bin.”

Adam Herriott, Senior Sector Specialist at WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) commented: “It’s fantastic news that toothpaste tubes are now recyclable and Somerset is leading the way by collecting them.”

 Residents should make sure they have squeezed out as much as possible and check that their toothpaste tubes are made from recyclable materials. Most toothpaste tubes are, but it’s always good to double-check – look for the recycling symbol.

Other types of toothpaste containers, including plastic pumps and metal tubes can also be recycled via the Bright Blue Bag.

The bag can also be used to recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays, tins, cans, foil and aerosols. The materials are sorted at a Materials Recycling Facility to be reprocessed into new products and packaging.

Residents can check online for details of what items can be collected from the kerbside: www.somerset.gov.uk/waste 

Somerset Council publish an annual recycling tracker showing residents where their recycling goes. Last year 96% of Somerset’s recycling stayed in the UK.



Posted: 10/01/2025 11:55:00

Events

Upcoming Events

Event: An Insight into the World of Aviation
Location: The Warehouse Theatre, Brewery Lane, Ilminster TA19 9AD

Details:
The Thursday Group invite you to their talk by Nicholas Clybum with an Insight into the world of aviation and the role of Air Traffic Controllers. For more information call 01460 57914.

Date: 13/02/2025
Time: Doors open at 9.15am with talk at 10am
Price: Visitors £3, membership £13 for 10 talks, £25 for 20



Event: Coffee Morning
Location: Vaughan Lee House, Orchard Vale Ilminster TA19 0EX

Details:
Come and join us for a cuppa. We have a magnificent raffle with oodles of prizes, the most delicious cakes, colouring for the kids and a quiz for the grown-ups. Proceeds towards residents' activities fund.

Date: 14/02/2025
Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm
Price: Free entry



Event: Valentine's Day Party
Location: The Shrubbery Hotel, Station Road, Ilminster TA19 9AR

Details:
Join us for two course carvery and disco. Smart dress and parties of any size welcome.Tickets available at reception or call 01460 52108.

Date: 14/02/2025
Time: 7pm
Price: £20 per person


More Upcoming Events...