THE people of West Devon have embraced with enthusiasm the message of a six-month recycling promotion and analysis campaign, launched last October by TV presenter Philippa Forrester.
Recycling rates are up across West Devon and the growth rate of non-recycled material going to landfill is dramatically down for the first time in four years.
?Don?t Let Devon Go To Waste? came about as the result of the success of the Devon Authorities? Recycling Partnership, of which West Devon Borough Council is a member.
The partnership secured a Government grant of more than £1.1 million ? one of the largest of its kind ever to have been awarded.
From mid-October 2002 to the end of March 2003, a co-ordinated advertising, marketing, PR and research campaign via doorstepping was undertaken, with the objective of increasing awareness of recycling facilities and analysing the shift in the content of waste throughout the campaign period.
The campaign singled out West Devon residents as being more aware of local recycling facilities such as the kerbside collections and recycling banks, than any other district in the county.
Elsewhere in Devon, the campaign showed a dramatic increase in kerbside recycling compared with the previous year and a significant reduction in the growth of non-recycled waste sent to landfill.
Deputy chair of West Devon?s environment and health committee, Cllr John Hockridge, said: ?West Devon residents have always embraced the challenge of recycling and this campaign shows that once again, we are among the top performers.
?We can now use the information from the waste study to improve our recycling rates even further.?
TV presenter Philippa Forrester, who launched ?Don?t Let Devon Go To Waste? in October last year, added: ?I have just read the results of the campaign and I am thrilled: what a chance to make a difference and it seems like everyone in Devon took it.
?How wonderful to live in such a positive place which, with such good will, will stay beautiful for years to come.?
l Lack of a recycling box was among the reasons cited for not using the kerbside collection in West Devon. Residents without a box or have waste queries please contact 01822 813656.