EMPTY toothpaste tubes can now be recycled curb side in Somerset.

These can now be left in the bright blue recycling bag – providing the tube has ‘recyclable’ written on it.

It is estimated around 3 million toothpaste tubes are thrown into the bin each year.

But Somerset Council is helping to lead the way in combatting this, as a spokesperson said the council, alongside their collections contractor SUEZ, are among the first in the country to provide this new service.

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Residents are asked to make sure as much of the contents are squeezed out of the tube before they are put into the blue bag.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, executive member for transport and waste services at Somerset Council, said: “We’re always looking at ways to recycle more materials from home.

“With toothpaste tubes an item that everyone has, being able to recycle from home is great news.

“By simply using up as much as possible and placing them in your bright blue recycling bag, you can help reduce plastic waste from being thrown in the bin.”

Adam Herriott, senior sector specialist at the Waste and Resources Action Programme, said: “It’s fantastic news that toothpaste tubes are now recyclable and Somerset is leading the way by collecting them.”

Other types of toothpaste containers, including plastic pumps and metal tubes can also be recycled via the bright blue bag.

The bag can also be used to recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays, tins, cans, foil and aerosols. The materials are sorted at a materials recycling facility to be reprocessed into new products and packaging.

Somerset Council publishes an annual recycling tracker showing residents where their recycling goes. Last year 96% of Somerset’s recycling stayed in the UK.

Check online for details of what items can be collected from the kerbside.