STUDENTS from Tavistock College are among 80 young people from secondary schools across Devon attending the annual waste summit at County Hall today (Thursday).

The event is a popular, thought- provoking and free event which enables students to explore waste, recycling and related sustainability issues in the county.

The students from nine schools and colleges were due to take part in group activities which test and challenge their existing knowledge of how to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. Talks and workshops were also being held throughout the day.

Last year in Devon, more than 196,000 tonnes of material was recycled rather than being sent to landfill. The waste summit encourages students to think about how they can act differently which could contribute to Devon improving its recycling rate which currently stands at 55.2%, one of the highest rates in England.

Cllr Roger Croad, Devon County Council cabinet member for environment and communities, said: 'People in Devon deserve a great deal of credit for helping Devon to achieve one of the highest recycling rates in the country.

'They have embraced recycling to take us from 2% of waste being recycled 20 years ago, to over 55% now. Of course, there's always more that could be done and the summit aims to get pupils to think about waste issues such as reducing packaging on modern consumer goods.

'Since the first Waste Summit in 2004, over 550 pupils have attended this event and it always receives positive feedback which shows that it consistently challenges and enthuses pupils on how they can make a difference.'