WHILE other councils may be turning to landfill to deal with their excess recycled waste, Devon County Council is still finding a ready market for its recycled materials.

WHILE other councils may be turning to landfill to deal with their excess recycled waste, Devon County Council is still finding a ready market for its recycled materials.

Devon is one of the leading local authorities for recycling and composting, reaching 53% according to Defra's latest set of figures, compared to a national average of 35%.

Leader of Devon County Council, Brian Greenslade, said: "We are very proud of our track record as one of the top recycling authorities.

"It's thanks to the efforts of everyone in Devon who is reducing their waste, recycling and composting where possible, and making greener choices such as avoiding excess packaging.

"At this time of year waste is perhaps not top of everyone's mind, but it's still very important to consider what can be recycled or composted - or better still, not wasted in the first place.

"We are running a new campaign - 'Love Christmas, Hate Waste', which has proved especially popular, and shows how everyone can help do their bit for Devon.

"Our celebrity chef Paul Da Costa Greaves has an excellent selection of recipes and tips on how to make the most of leftovers, so nothing need go to waste - even the sprouts!

"We need to reinforce the fact that our recycled waste is not being stockpiled or landfilled, but being sold at market, albeit at lower prices.

"We opted for longer term contracts which means we can ride out the peaks and troughs of the price for recycled waste.

"Devon residents need to know that their waste has a value, both economically and environmentally and recycling will remain one of our core priorities."

For more information about recycling and collections across the county over the Christmas period, visit www.recycledevon.org or call 0845 450 2477.