RESIDENTS in West Devon have again proved to be top recyclers — the new food waste recycling collection is proving popular. In the Uplands and Abbeyfield areas of Tavistock, where the first collections were made, two out of every three homes had put out their new blue containers full of cooked and raw food waste. West Devon Borough Council has introduced the collections on a one-year trial to divert this type of waste away from landfill where it produces methane — a gas closely linked to global warming — as it rots down. The waste is taken to a special processing plant in Devon where it is treated in an enclosed vessel. As the food breaks down, the temperature is carefully controlled to ensure the finished product is sterile and can be used for a rage of horticultural and land reclamation puproses. Jane Savage, recycling officer for the council, said: 'When I went out with the crew, I was amazed to see the streets of Tavistock lined with the neat blue containers. 'It's great to know that with such tremendous support from residents, West Devon will remain among the forerunners in UK recycling.'