A number of households in Frome were missed on yesterday's (Monday March 30) recycling waste collection.

Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) has apologised to residents and advises it will do its best to prioritise their street next week.

A spokesman for Somerset Waste Partnership says: "We regret that were unable to complete some recycling collections in and around Frome yesterday.

"Due to staff self-isolating we do not have the resources during the present health emergency to make return pick-ups.

"If your recycling was not collected on Monday, please do not leave containers out or report it.

"Put the boxes and food waste bin out again next week, when we will do our best to prioritise your recycling collections."

Missed households should put out their recycling by 7am.

SWP is also reminding residents that garden waste and bulky waste collections are suspended and recycling sites are closed.

Yesterday was also the first time a new fleet of vehicles took to the streets of Frome and beyond as SWP's new contract for recycling and rubbish collection brings the latest industry equipment and technology to Somerset.

The 140 vehicles are around 30 percent more efficient than their predecessors and feature brightly-coloured recycling trucks and rubbish collection lorries covered with images from around the county.

SWP says the high-tech fleet will help cope with pressures created by coronavirus and keep collections running as best they can in these unprecedented times.

In-cab technology, including GPS tracking and constantly updated route maps with details of each property's recycling and waste needs, will help crews do their job more efficiently and reliably.

And vehicles will follow more efficient, 'optimised', routes and boast a hoist and compactor system allowing them to take more cardboard and plastic.

Eventually they'll be collecting the wider range of plastics that will be recyclable from the kerbside but, for the time being, only the usual plastic bottles should be put out for collection.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, Chair of SWP, said: "It's a difficult time for a new contractor to take over, but the crews will be the same and the new equipment can only help us in this tough time.

"Most people in Somerset are already recycling and this contract will make it easier for people to do even more.

"Eventually we'll be able to collect much more from kerbsides, including almost all plastics, but in the meantime it's important that everyone keeps on recycling what they're already recycling and follow national advice on how to safely dispose of potentially Covid-19 infected waste."

Vice Chair, Cllr Clare Paul, added: "The new contract means improvements across the board and we're all very excited about seeing it in action.

"In the short term it can only help us deal with the current crisis, and in the long-term it will help turn Somerset's very good recycling record into a great one."

As well as improving Somerset's recycling record – ranked seventh-best nationally for carbon saving through recycling – the new contract is expected to cost around £2m less every year. Savings SWP's member councils can spend on other vital services.

Provided by Suez, the new service will see recycling expanded for schools and communal properties like flats and houses of multiple occupancy.

Crucially, it will eventually allow people to recycle a wider range of material from their kerbsides with the new Recycle More service.

Steve Holgate, SUEZ's Director of Municipal Services, said: "We are delighted to be working with Somerset Waste Partnership, providing recycling and rubbish collection services in the county.

"Our expertise and the latest vehicle technology will be very valuable to continue delivering these essential services during the challenging conditions we are facing currently."

Under the new contract, SWP expects all recycled plastics to stay in the UK and once a new Energy from Waste facility opens shortly in Avonmouth, no Somerset waste will be going to landfill.