RESIDENTS in Sidmouth and Ottery will notice changes at the Woods Farm Recycling Centre in the coming weeks, says Devon County Council (DCC).

The authority has signed a deal for SITA UK to run the household waste hub, near Tipton St John.

A five-year contract with the leading recycling and resource management company will begin on May 1.

DCC says centre users will see the introduction of new style bins which may be in different positions.

Site opening hours, and the type of wastes that the sites can and cannot accept, will remain the same.

Other changes will also see previously landfilled items - such as carpets, mattresses and bulky plastics - be collected for recycling, so that more waste than ever can be recycled.

Councillor Roger Croad, DCC cabinet member for environment, said: “The new contract is going to deliver significantly improved customer service standards for residents, with friendly and helpful staff and clean and efficient operations.

“This is a very exciting time and we look forward to working with SITA UK to achieve this.”

SITA’s James Pike said: “Improvements will gradually be implemented over the coming months as we strive to make best use of each recycling centre, helping local residents put even more of their waste to good use.”