I WOULD like to clarify the issues raised by Mr Harding's letter last week, regarding the collection of garden waste from households.
When introducing the garden waste collection service to all households last autumn, It was impossible to accurately predict daily tonnages and, therefore, vehicle usage, because of the seasonal nature of the material.
West Devon will collect up to four garden sacks per household and in an effort to remain flexible and maximise recycling have also been collecting up to five additional sacks where there was capacity in the vehicles.
However, the current good weather has seen an increase in the amount of material being put out for collection and so we are now restricting the number of sacks to four per household and our website has been updated to reflect this. This will continue until October 1 2011 when we will review the amount that can be collected.
Home composting is still the best environmental option for garden waste and West Devon supply competitively priced compost bins from the offices in Tavistock and Okehampton. Excess garden waste can also be taken to the recycling centres in the two towns.
Finally, West Devon Borough Council, in common with other local authorities, pay the reprocessors for composting the garden waste. The payment covers all the costs, including strict Environment Agency permits. This is considered worthwhile when off-set against environmental benefits and EU fines for landfilling such materials.
Please accept our apologies for any confusion.
Helen Dobby
Head of environment services
West Devon Borough Council