ALTHOUGH residents have been praised for their recycling efforts by the district council, they have been reminded that waste food collections are made weekly.

ALTHOUGH residents have been praised for their recycling efforts by the district council, they have been reminded that waste food collections are made weekly.

Since the scheme was launched in the Axe valley in August 2008, East Devon District Council has said there has been a fantastic response from the public.

The scheme has since been extended in June, to include the likes of Ottery St Mary, with other areas set to have the scheme extended to them next year.

According to figures released by the council, the food waste collection went from 90 tonnes in May to 233 tonnes in June, once the phase two area had been launched.

However, EDDC has also said that some householders are putting out their food waste with the landfill waste, which is collected fortnightly.

The aim of the weekly collection of food waste was to avoid unpleasant smells and mould, caused by decaying food.

In a statement from EDDC, it said: "The situation is exacerbated by some householder not wrapping their food waste in newspaper or special biodegradable bags when placing it in the indoor food caddy.

"This practice not only increases the chances of smells in the neighbourhood, but is also a health and safety concern for the collection crews."

Councillor David Cox, portfolio holder StreetScene, responsible for waste collections in East Devon, said: "The new EDDC service was carefully designed to be as efficient as possible, whilst giving residents the confidence that any rotting waste would be collected weekly.

"Since the vehicles are calling at each home on a weekly basis, it seems sensible for people to put the waste out every week.