Somerset and Newcastle Councils join FPF FlexCollect

Over 3,600 homes in Somerset and 5,000 homes in Newcastle will be able to recycle flexible plastics as part of normal kerbside recycling collections, as these councils join the Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF) FlexCollect pilot.

Currently, only 8% of flexible plastics are collected from homes. This pilot provides insights to inform industry and local authorities ahead of the introduction of compulsory UK-wide kerbside collections planned for 2027.

Newcastle launched on 5 June and provides residents with a fortnightly twin stream collection with glass collected separately, while Somerset, which launched on the 22 May, offers a weekly source segregated collection. Residents in both locations will be provided with a new blue collection bag to collect their flexible plastics, before placing in their existing recycling container to be pulled out at the material recycling facility.

Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “We all need to do our bit to reduce waste, and I’m delighted to see local authorities from almost the furthest corners of England taking part in this exciting scheme. These pilots and the work of Somerset and Newcastle councils will improve our understanding of how to drive up recycling rates for some of the most difficult plastics, potentially helping all of us recycle more.”