WEST Devon's success in recycling is helping to support a growing UK trade in high grade recycling materials as the vast majority of the borough's recycled waste is reprocessed in Britain.

The system adopted by West Devon Borough Council, where recycling is separated at the kerbside, means there is no contamination, making the materials suitable for the UK recycling market.

Food waste from West Devon is composted in Holsworthy and creates electricity for the national grid and a soil conditioner for local farmland.

Glass from West Devon is sent to Sheffield to make new bottles, steel cans go to South Wales for use in the car industry and some of the borough's old plastic bottles end up as attractive and durable street furniture in Leicester.

A very small amount of recycled textiles from West Devon are sent to developing nations. 

Cllr Robert Oxborough, the council's chair of community services, said: 'I know some people think our recycling is sent to places like China but that could not be further from the truth. All but a tiny fraction of recycling from West Devon is reprocessed in the UK.

'Due to the kerbside sorting system, our recycling is also high quality and can be sold for a premium which helps to keep down the cost of local waste services. 

'So when you recycle in West Devon you are helping the planet, helping British business and ultimately helping your pocket too!'

West Devon is one of the top recycling areas in England with almost 60% of household waste being recycled and composted.