Recycling warning as dangerous items left in bags

People have been warned not to place kitchen knives in their recycling amid a rise in incidents.

In the past few weeks, at least 15 knives have been found in blue recycling bags by Somerset Council's team.

"Knives should never be placed in the bright blue recycling bag, or recycling boxes," said councillor Richard Wilkins, lead member for waste.

"Please help to keep everyone safe by disposing of knives carefully."

Knives cannot be recycled on the kerbside. Instead, they can be taken to a recycling centre and placed in the skip for metal recycling.

The council says anyone who wants to dispose of knives or scissors at home should wrap them up, or place them in a cardboard box, before bagging them up with general waste.

Yeovil Recycling Centre is among those reverting to longer hours over the summer

The request comes as recycling sites in Somerset will be open for longer as they revert to summer hours.

The changes come into effect at all 16 sites from Tuesday, when branches will open from 09:00 BST to 18:00 on weekdays and 09:00 to 16:00 on weekends.

Residents have been urged to check online for opening days due to varying timetables at different branches.