WEST Devon is set to go greener thanks to a £414,000 award for a raft of exciting recycling initiatives.
West Devon Borough Council has just won the grant following a successful bid to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
The money forms part of a £40 million funding boost to local authorities nationwide as part of the Government?s on-going commitment to divert waste away from landfill.
Currently West Devon recycles approximately 24% of its waste, making it one of the country?s top performing districts, but is aiming to exceed its statutory target of 36% by 2006.
The new grant now means it?s full steam ahead for a range of recycling projects in the borough.
They include:
l A new kerbside garden waste and bulky card collection scheme for households in West Devon, due to start later this year.
l New specialised equipment to help make recycling more efficient at the council?s recycling centre at Hayedown on the outskirts of Tavistock. The equipment will be installed in April.
l A focussed waste reduction initiative which includes an additional member of staff for a range of promotions such as home composting and garden waste roadshows.
It?s the third year in a row that the council has received a grant from the Government?s National Waste Minimisation and Recycling ?Challenge? Fund which aims to help local authorities set up new recycling initiatives.
Cllr Paul Ridgers, chairman of the council?s environment and health committee, said the grant was a major boost to tackle recycling.
?The people of West Devon have always embraced the concept of recycling and we are delighted that this grant now means we can provide further initiatives to improve our service,? he said.
Jane Savage, the borough?s recycling officer, said: ?We have been given a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference to the way we deal with and perceive waste in the borough.
?This award will help to ensure that West Devon continues to stay ahead in recycling nationally.?