In-house recycling service saves North Devon tax payers �230,000, says council

FINAL year accounts have just been released which show North Devon Council saved �230,000 in council tax payers money, by bringing the district s recycling service in-house. The council took over recycling in May, 2008. Staff from the previous contracto

FINAL year accounts have just been released which show North Devon Council saved �230,000 in council tax payers' money, by bringing the district's recycling service in-house.

The council took over recycling in May, 2008. Staff from the previous contractor, South Molton Recycle, transferred over to the council, helping to ensure the service continued to operate smoothly.

, as well as finding buyers for the recyclable materials.

Councillor Rodney Cann, Lead Member for Waste and Recycling, said: "These savings show the decision to bring the service in-house was the right one. It's proven to be good news on the pockets of council tax payers, and has meant we've been able to offer more recycling opportunities for our customers.

"One example is the new food waste and cardboard recycling service, which is already benefiting 5,000 homes, with the rest of the district to follow later in the summer."

Aside from saving almost a quarter-of-a-million pounds in overall costs, the in-house service has also seen recycling rates increase. Over the last few years, the figures have been as follows:

The recycling rate for the last year shows the district has exceeded the Government target of recycling 40 per cent by the year 2010, with the council setting its own target of 50 per cent by the end of next year.

To find out what items customers can recycle in their bags, boxes, bins and caddies, as well as at various recycling centres, visit the website www.northdevon.gov.uk/greensweep