WEST Somerset residents have until next week to return forms with specific requests about the new Sort It Plus kerbside collections.

All homes suitable for the Sort It Plus service were sent an information pack.

Enclosed was a form for anyone needing an assisted collection, reporting a damaged recycling box or who would prefer a non-standard rubbish bin. 

Residents who do not need any of these do not need to return the form but those who do have until Thursday, September 7.

Cllr Chris Morgan, West Somerset Council's lead member for the environment and a SWP (Somerset Waste Partnership) board member, urged people to get their forms in as soon as possible.

He said: "Sort It Plus is a significant improvement to West Somerset's waste management and ultimately a great benefit to our environment as a whole.

"If residents need replacement recycling boxes, assisted collections or non-standard bins, it is essential they let us know. 

"This will make the start of the project run smoothly for everyone. There are request forms available, so please make sure that you submit your requirements in good time."

The standard wheeled rubbish bin has a capacity of 180 litres, but smaller bins of 140 litres or larger ones at 240 litres were displayed at West Somerset roadshows in August, with hundreds of people attending to ask questions, check over the new bin options and complete their forms.

Roadshow organisers at SWP said they were pleased by the numbers realising how much the weekly recycling collections would reduce their rubbish and so opting for a smaller bin that is also less bulky for storage and easier to move.

Assisted collections can be requested by those who are unable to put out their recycling or rubbish and have no-one in their household who can help them.

The new containers are due to be delivered in late September and early October. Mid-October sees the start of the new Sort It Plus service of weekly recycling collections with food waste and household plastic bottles, and fortnightly refuse pick-ups in wheelie bins.