WEST Devon?s mayor cast ceremonial chains aside yesterday (Wednesday), when he joined the Focsa recycling crew on one of their weekly rounds.
In one of his last duties before today?s local elections, Cllr Richard Phillips, who is not standing for re-election, donned heavyweight gloves and tabard to spend the whole day on the round.
His route took in Princetown, Postbridge and Peter Tavy, enabling him to find out what it is really like to work at the sharp end of the borough council?s recycling initiative.
Cllr Phillips, who is keen to raise the profile of recycling in West Devon, said: ?Very often we issue contracts and expect the most from them.
?This is a great opportunity to be at the sharp end, roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty.?
The council distributed green plastic recycling boxes to every household in West Devon18 months ago. At the same time, the fortnightly collection service increased to weekly.
The green boxes are central to the council?s recycling strategy and Cllr Phillips, former chairman of the borough?s waste reduction and recycling working group, promised to report back on his experiences during the round.