New recycling regulations for businesses in Somerset have come into force.
The rules require that all businesses; healthcare establishments and educational institutions should separate glass bottles and jars, metal food and drink cans, plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, paper, cardboard and food waste from their general waste.
Somerset County Council is working with the global sustainability charity WRAP to deliver a pilot which takes place to the end of April.
A Business of Recycling website has been launched that provides a calculator for businesses to monitor how much waste they’re generating and how recycling is saving them money.
In addition, a Business Advisory support service is operating in Langport, Ilminster and Chard to help businesses understand how the regulations affect them and what resources are available.
The pilot aims to remove the barriers to recycling in the workplace and address concerns about the costs of recycling.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has been dealing with an increase in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, especially in e-bikes and e-scooters.
Avon and Somerset Police, in collaboration with Somerset’s Domestic Abuse Service and Somerset Council, have launched a new initiative to improve the support given to domestic abuse victims.