PRINGLES tubes – the nemesis of recycling boxes everywhere – can now be recycled in kerbside collections across Somerset.

The move has come after the crisp giant changed the make-up of the container.

Previously, snack-loving recyclers were frustrated as the tube had a metal base built into a carboard tube, making recycling difficult.

Now, however, the tube is mainly paper-based and no longer has the metal base – making it easier for reprocessors to recycle.

For households in the Somerset Council area, it means the tube can be placed in the black box, along with cardboard, while the plastic lid can go in the reusable bright blue bag with other plastics.

The seal, however, remains unrecyclable and should be put in the general rubbish bin.

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The change only applies to new Pringles packaging and residents should check if their tubes have a metal or paper-based base. If it is an old Pringles tube, then it needs to be put in the general rubbish bin.

Shoppers buying similar snacks in cardboard tubes made by brands other than Pringles should check if it can be recycled and dispose of it appropriately, the council said.

Other tubes and tubs, like those used for things like hot chocolate and cocoa, can’t be collected for recycling from home due to the mixed materials they are made from.

Cllr Richard Wilkins, executive member for transport and waste services, said: “How packaging can be recycled must be built in at the design stage, and this is exactly the sort of change we need to see from manufacturers.

“It’s always great to reduce the amount of packaging being thrown into our bins. Our recycling rate is above the average for England, but there’s always more we can do.

“Next time you’ve finished a tube of pringles, remember to check that it’s got the cardboard base and add the tube to your black box and lid to the bright blue bag for recycling.”

For more details of what items can be collected from the kerbside in Somerset, visit somerset.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste/recycling-collections.