RESIDENTS in West Devon are doing a top job when it comes to recycling.  The borough has the best recycling rate in Devon, according to new figures.  

Sixty per cent of waste in West Devon was recycled, composted and reused in 2011 to 2012. 

The borough increased the amount of waste recycled by eight percent in just 12 months – the biggest improvement in the county.  West Devon is now the top recycling district in Devon.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, the borough council's chairman of the community services committee, said: 'This is a huge credit to West Devon residents. They have got behind the new recycling service and shown a real appetite for recycling and composting as much as possible.'

'While recycling is a good thing to do in its own right, residents should also be aware that there is a financial incentive to recycle more of their waste. The borough council receives "recycling credits" that help to keep council tax levels as low as possible.  We are currently number one for recycling in Devon: Let's be number one in the country!"

The figures come from early statistical returns on recycling provided by all of Devon's district authorities. 

West Devon Borough Council introduced a new recycling and refuse service in 2010.  It has been shortlisted for several awards.

The borough is expected to be in the top 20 UK councils for recycling when national figures are published this autumn.