THE introduction of wheelie bins and regular collections of kitchen waste are being investigated by West Devon Borough Council, as the authority considers the best methods of improving its waste management. The borough?s environment and community committee was last week told the authority had obtained a ?good? categorisation following its waste management best value review ? which assessed its potential for improvement as ?excellent?. The council?s green recycling round is to be expanded, to include Bere Alston, Bridestowe, Buckland, Crapstone, Horrabridge and Mary Tavy, increasing the round to approximately 10,000 of the borough?s 23,000 homes. David Inman, the borough?s director of community services, said the current target for recycling rates in West Devon was 30% and that target was likely to be achieved. However, it was likely new targets would be set by central government and the council needed to consider how it could work towards meeting them. Mr Inman said the Audit Commission had suggested that as the residual amount in dustbins became less, a fortnightly collection could become feasible, using wheelie bins, offering potential savings. The Commission also suggested recycling of kitchen waste, or putrescibles, should be considered. Cllr Dilwyn Hughes was opposed to the idea of wheelie bins: ?I detest them. A lot of people can?t get them up or down steps, they are ugly ? I think we should forget wheelie bins,? he said. Cllr Dennis Bater said the Government needed to do more about promoting the market for recycled materials, in addition to encouraging recycling by residents and local authorities. The committee agreed a ?task and finish? group investigate the collection and disposal of putrescibles, the cost of extending plastic recycling disposal points, a wheelie bin collection and an extension of the contract with FOCSA, which collects West Devon?s waste.
