Council reveals statistics that suggest 50 per cent recycling target is within reach.

The overall annual recycling rate for East Devon is now 48.6 per cent, according to officials at Knowle.

The figure represents a rise from 34.17 per cent and EDDC says it is “heading for the magic 50 per cent rate that will be a real milestone achievement”.

Statistics were revealed as it became clear the government is to offer financial incentives to local authorities to encourage them to bring back weekly refuse collections. East Devon’s recycling scheme is based around fortnightly collections.

David Cox, the council’s cabinet member for finance, with a long-running interest in the waste and recycling service, 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.

“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!”.

In order to further improve the service to householders. EDDC has signed a contract with Otter Rotters to provide a garden waste collection service.

Otter Rotters continues to grow its green waste recycling scheme, providing a highly regarded service to the community and delivering impressive tonnage figures which continue to rise year on year.

Householders can contact Otter Rotters on 07837 477 050.