Sidmouth’s new recycling centre has been named as one of the top four in the country after making it into the finals of a prestigious national competition.

The facility near the Bowd, opened in December, was announced as a ‘runner up’ in the Civic Amenity Site of the Year category in this year’s Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management.

Now in their 11th year, the awards are renowned for showcasing innovation, dedication and success in recycling and sustainable waste management.

Devon County Council (DCC) cabinet member for environment and community, Councillor Roger Croad, said: “To be one of just four finalists in the whole of the UK is a great achievement we are delighted to be recognised in this way. The Sidmouth recycling centre combines excellent recycling facilities with high levels of customer service and is proving to be a model of good waste management.”

Member for the Sidmouth/Sidford ward, Cllr Stuart Hughes, added: “The Sidmouth recycling centre has proved a great asset for this part of East Devon. Its modern design with plenty of room for circulating and parking, the range of waste it takes and its helpful staff are a real boost for recycling. It’s really good to see that it has now national recognition and I’m sure that this award will be one of many.”

To be considered for the award, the Sidmouth centre, which also serves Ottery St Mary, had to demonstrate increased levels of recycling as well as providing an enhanced service to users.

Other factors included the design of the facility which includes solar hot water provision and rain water harvesting for flushing the site toilets.

DCC also received numerous compliments from the public regarding the facility and the professional site staff.

The centre, operated by SITA UK, is expected to receive around 5,000 tonnes of household waste annually and will recycle around 80 per cent of all the waste brought in.