A LIMIT on the number of fridges, freezers and other cooling appliances that can be dropped of at Somerset recycling centres has been extended.
In July, recycling centre operator and Somerset Council announced a one-item limit per household, per month, to be in place throughout August due to a nationwide “shortage of reprocessing capacity”.
Now, the limit has been extended, to last through September and will be in place at all 16 recycling centres across Somerset.
“Residents are asked to hold off bringing appliances to recycling centres, if they can be safely stored, to help ease pressure until reprocessing capacity increases again,” a council spokesperson said.
“Due to restrictions at many recycling centres across the country, proof of Somerset residency will continue to be required when bringing these appliances to a recycling site.”
Alternative options for recycling appliances include:
- Using retailer take-back schemes as the preferred route where available, particularly when buying a replacement appliance
- Delaying disposal of fridges and freezers for a short period where it is practical and safe to do so
- If appliances are still usable, considering reuse options, including offering them on sites like Freegle or Facebook Marketplace, or donating them to charities if they are accepted for resale
The temporary limit applies to household users only. Recycling sites in Somerset will not be accepting:
- Appliances from commercial site users
- Commercial standard appliances
- Appliances containing ammonia
“The position will be kept under review and it will continue through the month of September, with potential to extend, if national reprocessing capacity remains limited,” the spokesperson added.
“Appliances such as fridges, freezers and air-conditioning units need specialist treatment because they contain refrigerants and other materials that must be handled carefully.
“The shortage is likely to have been caused by a fire and other unplanned outages at specialist treatment facilities, alongside increased volumes during warmer weather as more appliances are replaced or fail.”
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