The Truth About Waste in Somerset Where Does It Really Go

Written by Nick Towens

Key findings

• 92% of Somerset waste processed through Towens facilities is recycled, reused or recovered, with only 8% going to landfill
• Construction and demolition waste makes up one of the UK’s largest waste streams, yet most materials including concrete, brick, wood and metals can be given a second life
• Energy recovery facilities handle 6.40% of waste materials, including wood and mixed transfer station waste, converting them into valuable fuel sources
• Towens processes over 100,000 tonnes of waste annually through four recycling centres across Somerset, creating recycled aggregates that reduce demand for virgin quarried materials
• Advanced sorting processes including weighing, mechanical separation and hand-picking ensure maximum material recovery from household waste, garden waste and construction debris

Ever wondered what happens to your rubbish after the skip lorry disappears down your street?

The journey of Somerset waste is far more fascinating than you might imagine.

While many assume their household waste simply vanishes into landfill sites, the reality is quite different.

Modern waste management has transformed how we handle everything from garden waste to demolition materials, turning what was once considered rubbish into valuable resources for future use.

What happens to waste in Somerset?

When you fill a skip or visit one of our recycling centres, your waste embarks on a carefully orchestrated journey designed to extract maximum value whilst minimising environmental impact. Understanding this process reveals just how sophisticated Somerset waste management has become.

Collection and transport

Our fleet of over 40 specialist vehicles collects waste from across Somerset, from small household clearances to major construction projects. Whether it’s a 2-yard skip filled with garden waste or an 8-yard container loaded with builders’ waste, each collection represents the starting point of the recycling journey.

Weighing and inspection

Every skip is weighed when it arrives at our facilities. This gives us insight into the tonnes of materials being processed and helps refine our recycling process for maximum efficiency. Our trained operatives conduct initial inspections to identify any prohibited materials and ensure safety protocols are followed.

Transfer station sorting

At our state-of-the-art transfer stations, waste is offloaded and prepared for sorting. Our trained operatives begin identifying different types of waste, including plastic, cardboard, scrap metal, garden waste, stone and soil. This initial separation is crucial for the success of subsequent processing stages.

Picking belt process

The waste is placed on a picking belt where it’s sorted by hand and machinery. Materials are separated into categories like Hardcore plastic, cardboard and wood. This meticulous process ensures that recyclable materials don’t slip through the cracks.

Material bay separation

Each type of waste is directed into its own bay. We have dedicated areas for aggregates, metals, paper, plastics and more. Even unusual materials like plant pots, pet bedding and sand can be sorted appropriately for recycling or safe disposal.

Recycling: Turning waste into resources

Our recycling processes transform everyday waste into valuable materials. Concrete, metals and wood are crushed or shredded for specialist recycling facilities. Metals are sent to facilities where they’re melted down and formed into new products, significantly reducing the need for mining whilst saving energy.

Wood waste follows multiple pathways depending on its condition. Clean wood becomes biomass fuel, whilst treated timber may be processed into chipboard.

Energy recovery: Extracting power from waste

When materials cannot be recycled, they’re not automatically destined for landfill. Energy recovery facilities receive 6.40% of our waste materials, including wood and mixed transfer station waste. These facilities convert waste into electricity and heat, providing a valuable energy source whilst reducing landfill dependency.

Reusing materials: Creating sustainable alternatives

We produce recycled aggregates including fine sand, fill sand, clean stone and road planings at our Westonzoyland facility (near Bridgwater.) These materials offer construction projects locally produced alternatives to quarried stone, reducing carbon footprints whilst maintaining quality standards.

Landfill diversion: Minimising environmental impact

Through our comprehensive sorting and processing systems, we’ve achieved remarkable landfill diversion rates. Various waste streams are segregated, stockpiled and transported to suitable recycling facilities rather than disposal sites.

What percentage actually reaches landfill?

Only 8.05% of waste processed through our facilities ends up in landfill. This figure represents materials that genuinely cannot be recycled, reused or recovered through current technologies, much of this compromises “hazardous waste” classified material such as asbestos.

Towens waste management services

We handle an impressive range of materials through our four recycling centres. Permitted materials include wood, sand, stone, soil, paper, cardboard, plastic and metals. However, certain items require specialist handling: Electrical equipment, asbestos, batteries, tyres, gas cylinders and pressurised containers cannot be processed through standard waste streams.

Our weighbridge services accommodate customers with waste carriers’ licences, accepting clean and uncontaminated waste across multiple categories. commercial fridges, and tyres, we provide appropriate processing routes for diverse waste types.

How Towens helps businesses reduce their environmental impact

Beyond waste collection and processing, we provide comprehensive environmental consultancy services. Our team supports businesses with planning applications and environmental permits, ensuring compliance with increasingly complex regulations.

We offer soil testing and bioremediation services, collecting samples for laboratory analysis including WAC testing, solid content analysis and asbestos identification. We interpret results and suggest sustainable treatment options, prioritising recycling and restoration over landfilling.

The significance of recycling and sustainability

For homeowners undertaking renovations or garden clearances, choosing responsible waste management makes a genuine difference. When you hire a skip from us, you’re participating in the circular economy that emphasises reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose and recover.

Construction projects seeking to reduce carbon footprints benefit from our locally produced recycled aggregates. Using recycled materials instead of quarried alternatives delivers cost savings whilst supporting environmental goals.

Frequently asked questions

What materials can I put in my skip?

You can dispose of wood, sand, stone, soil, paper, cardboard, plastic, metals and general waste (bin waste.) However, electrical items, asbestos, batteries, tyres, gas cylinders, paint tins, food waste and mattresses require specialist handling. Skip hire is a great solution for bulky waste collection.

How long can I keep my skip?

Skip hire duration is for two weeks as standard, for extended periods an additional rental charge may be required.

Do I need a permit for my skip?

You may need a skip hire permit depending on where you place your skip. If it’s going on a public highway rather than your private property, permits are typically required.

What are your opening times?

Our facilities operate Monday to Friday from 7 to 5

Who are Towens?

Based in Weston-super-Mare, Towens is a family-owned waste management, recycling, haulage, and environmental services company with a 30-year track record. We serve Somerset with sustainable waste solutions backed by a personal touch.

With four advanced recycling centres and a fleet of over 40 vehicles, we handle over a million tons of material per year. We’re proud to support customers across Somerset in making smarter, greener choices.

If you’d like further advice:

• Call us on 01934 424242
• Email: skips@towens.co.uk
• Or visit our website to fill out an online form