A MASSIVE 10,000 tonnes of waste paper from West Devon, recycled through Aylesford Newsprint, has helped to produce 100 million newspapers, including local and regional papers, since 2002.

West Devon residents have achieved this huge contribution by enthusiastically taking part in the borough's recycling collections. The high quality of the material being collected gives a guaranteed market, and this quality is ensured by the kerbside sorting methods.

Kerbside sorting itself contributes to the quality of the materials because the crews are able to sift them and make sure there is no contamination.

Within two weeks of being received by the Kent-based company, the paper is recycled into new newsprint, and makes its way back onto newsagents' shelves.

Cllr Chris Jenkins, chairman of West Devon's environment and community committee, said: 'As has been reported over recent weeks, the market for some recycled materials is currently going through a difficult period as a result of the worldwide economic downturn. 

'However, kerbside sorting of the waste by West Devon's recycling crews produces excellent quality materials which are still very much in demand by reprocessors, and we continue to pass on all materials collected for recycling. 

'We would like to thank the vast majority of our residents who have whole-heartedly adopted recycling as a way of life, and stress that it is important to recycle, even in the current economic climate.

'We do not foresee the need for us to send the material you put out for recycling to landfill —whereas if you stop putting recyclable waste into your recycling boxes, it will all definitely end up there and that would be the worst possible environmental option and the most expensive option for the council and for all of us council tax payers.'

Andrew Perkins, of Aylesford Newsprint, said: 'Aylesford are very happy to be working with West Devon. The high quality of product we get pays great tribute to the collection system and the support from the public.'

The most recent load from West Devon received a score of six out of six from Aylesford, as being the best quality yet.

Tony Milton, contract manager for Focsa (UK) Ltd, contractors for the council, said: 'I hope the hard work and effort put in by the recycling operatives has encouraged the residents of West Devon to recycle more paper.

'The continued efforts in very often inclement conditions are an example of the commitment shown by Focsa Services (UK) Ltd, in their support of West Devon Borough Council.'