Missed recycling collections in Williton and Stogursey last week will not be picked up until this Thursday and Friday (July 22 and 23).

Somerset Waste Partnership (SWP) says the ongoing delays are due to rising Covid self-isolations on top of the national driver shortage.

SWP and its collections contractor Suez apologise for the disruption and are sharing some ideas for coping with extra recycling if your collection is delayed.

From squashing and crushing materials to make more space, to keeping food waste in the shade, they are small steps that can make a difference if you have to wait longer.

SWP managing director Mickey Green said: “This is an unprecedented situation putting enormous strain on crews and collections up and down the country.

“Sadly, there will be some unavoidable delays to recycling collections and in some cases people having to wait two weeks until we can return.

“This is not where anyone want to be and we sincerely apologise, but there are no quick fixes and we still do not know what impact the ‘Pingdemic’ is going to have.”

SWP is confident that missed rubbish and garden waste collections will be returned for within two days.

For missed recycling collections, crews will do their best to get back in two days. But if they cannot return in that time they will not get back until the new scheduled collection day.

If your recycling collection is delayed, there are some things you can do to help you manage until the crews can come back.

*Food waste – keep containers in the shade and lid closed. Home compost what you can. Some people even keep fresh food waste in a closed compostable liner their fridge or freezer until collection day.

If you cannot wait, it can also be double-bagged and go to any recycle site or in your rubbish bin. It will generate electricity at the Avonmouth energy-from-waste plant.

* Squash, crush and flatten plastic bottles, tins and cans, and cardboard to make more space in recycling containers.

*Use a makeshift container, such as a cardboard box, for extra recycling (for all the materials except glass).

* Offer space in your recycling container to neighbours if yours is not full

* All kerbside recycling is taken at the 16 recycling sites – except cartons.

Residents are urged to report missed collections online using the My Waste Services menu at somersetwaste.gov.uk Available 24/7 it is the quickest and easiest way to make contact.

The national driver shortage is affecting businesses and waste authorities around the country. It is a long-term issue made worse by Covid, which has delayed driver training and testing, and the departure of many EU drivers.

Crews work in ‘bubbles’ and increasing numbers are needing to self-isolate as the rate of Covid infections climb.

Somerset’s hard-working crews have been collecting around 20 per cent more waste throughout much of the year. That makes it harder to complete rounds and means they have been working extended hours for a long time to keep up.

Progress is being made, but the reopening of non-essential retail has increased demand for drivers and recruitment is especially difficult in Somerset because it is home to many distribution centres.