Recycling in the area is going from strength to strength according to latest figures from East Devon District Council.

Over the last year a record 48.6 per cent of all household refuse was recycled, a rise from 34.17 per cent over the previous 12 months.

This puts EDDC within touching distance of the magic 50 per cent target, and councillor David Cox, who helped implement the scheme, said: “This is fantastic news. It shows that we are meeting the targets we set ourselves when we started to introduce the new system a couple of years ago.”

But he was quick to thank the people of East Devon for helping with this improvement, adding: “We could not have done it without our wonderful residents; they are the people who make a difference by using the service that we designed. Thank you!”

And in a second piece of recycling news, EDDC has signed a contract with Otter Rotters to provide a garden waste collection service and to further improve the service to householders.

Otter Rotters has continued to grow its green waste recycling scheme year after year, providing a highly regarded service to the community.

The group is also rooted in community action, including providing supported employment to people with disabilities and a route to work scheme young unemployed people.

Otter Rotters now offer services in both Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary and householders can contact them on 07837 477 050 to buy a reusable bag for collection of their garden waste.