November 2025

Latest news

Are you one of our garden waste subscribers?

We're updating our collections routes following a large increase in subscribers during the last 5 years. The update will help to keep them efficient and to schedule.

If you subscribe to the garden waste collection service, you might have a change to your collection schedule.

If you have a change, we'll have contacted you by either post or email.

• You may have a change in your collection week, day, or both.
• If your collection week is changing, you might also get a one-off Saturday collection on 22 November to avoid a long gap.
• If we have your email address, we'll have sent you an email with your updated collection day.
• If not, you'll receive a letter in the post with the details.
• Changes start from the week beginning 24 November.

If you have previously downloaded your schedule to your phone or tablet's calendar, you will need to re-download this after the 24 November. 

Fireworks, safety, clear up and waste reduction

Image courtesy of Daniel Gregoire via Unsplash

If you’re celebrating bonfire night this week, these simple steps can help you have a safe and low-waste night. Be sure to follow the advice from the fire service and other experts.

Before putting fireworks in your rubbish, drench embers and soak used or part-spent fireworks in a bucket of water to prevent a fatal fire.

Young Somerset writers champion food waste recycling

Children across Somerset have wowed judges with their creativity in the county’s first-ever Food Waste Story Writing Competition, run by Somerset Council and SUEZ in partnership with local author Ben Pulletz.

The competition invited young writers to craft imaginative tales inspired by food waste recycling and fun mascots like Benny the Bread and Nana the Banana. The aim? To get children thinking about greener habits and inspire others to recycle more.

Congratulations to our winners!

• Candice from Taunton, author of The Food Waste Story
• Freya from Street, author of A Rubbish Day!

Both will receive book vouchers and a copy of Luna Explores Somerset. Runners-up included talented young authors Harry and Olivia (Burnham-on-Sea), Veet (Wellington), Evlyn (Frome), and Sonny (Minehead).

Judges praised the entries for their humour, heart, and environmental awareness. As they put it: “Keep writing, keep recycling, and keep believing in your power to change the world – one kitchen caddy at a time!”

You can read the winning stories on our website.

Reuse

Join “Buy Nothing New Month” this November!

Image courtesy of Keep Britain Tidy

Keep Britain Tidy is inviting everyone to take part in Buy Nothing New Month, a fun and inspiring challenge to help us waste less and value what we already have. Last year, 73% of participants bought nothing new, and many reused, repaired, or repurposed items instead. It’s a great way to save money, learn new skills, and protect the planet!

By choosing second-hand, upcycling, or simply making do, we can reduce the environmental impact of buying new things and feel good doing it.

So, instead of shopping for Black Friday deals, let’s get creative, share stories, and support a cleaner, greener future.

Find out more and join the movement at Keep Britain Tidy.

Need something repairing to save buying new? Visit Somerset’s Repair Network to see if there’s a community repair group near you.

The Winter Coat Exchange is back!

Our wonderful libraries service (Somerset Libraries) is once again running its successful Winter Coat Exchange - now entering its third year!

Last winter, the scheme saw 2,470 coats donated and 2,086 coats taken, with surplus items passed on to RAFT (Refugee Aid From Taunton) to support displaced people locally and beyond.

It's really easy to take part and helps to keep people warm during the winter months.

All you need to do is:

• Take a coat – no need to donate
• Donate a coat – no need to take one  
• All coats must be clean and in good condition, suitable for adults or children

Participating libraries include: Minehead, Yeovil, Street, Glastonbury, Langport, Williton, Burnham-on-Sea, Taunton, Porlock, Shepton Mallet, Wellington, Dulverton, Chard, and Ilminster.

If you’d like to donate or pick up a coat, just visit your local participating library or contact: librariesmail@somerset.gov.uk

Get it sorted!

Ideas for greener Christmas gifting

Regifting doesn’t have to be a taboo, in fact, it’s a smart and sustainable way to celebrate the season. Instead of letting unused gifts gather dust, why not pass them on to someone who will truly appreciate them? By normalising regifting, we reduce waste and extend the life of perfectly good items. Let people know you’re happy for presents you give to be regifted when it’s time to pass it on.