Recycle Devon Awards to thank 'super recyclers'

Devon’s super recyclers are being recognised in a special ceremony to thank them for their hard work in helping to protect Devon’s environment.

This will be the first year of the Recycle Devon Thank You Awards, which mark the 10-year anniversary of the Don’t Let Devon go to waste campaign.

Devon enjoys a recycling rate of 55% (2011/12), making it one of the highest recycling counties in the country. To celebrate and thank the residents of Devon, Recycle Devon is hosting the special event.

Chairman of the Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee, Councillor Mike Walters says; “The Committee felt that these people deserved a special thank you for all that they do to help improve the local environment. It’s been particularly pleasing to see that everyone from the age of 8 to 80-something has got on board with the recycling message in Devon, many working voluntarily and really going over and above the call of duty. My thanks to all the nominees – they are all winners!”

To help host proceedings, Heart Radio’s Matt and Caroline from the breakfast show will be presenting the awards

There were seven categories which people could be nominated for:

• Your Recycling Hero (Friend, Family Member, Neighbour or Local Recycling Champion)

• School Recycling Hero (Child)

• School Recycling Hero (Adult)

• Community Group Recycling Hero

• Collection Crew/Operative (Recycling, Garden, Food or Refuse Collector(s))

• Street Cleansers

• Recycling Centre Operative/Site staff

Some of the shortlisted entries include an Eco-Club at a school in Holsworthy, a real nappy scheme in Exeter, a community recycling project in Honiton, voluntary compost groups in Totnes, Hele and Brixton and an environmental awareness group in Whimple, Exeter. Also, numerous crews and waste operatives in Holsworthy, Bideford, Ivybridge and Plymouth for their high levels of customer care and professionalism.

The shortlisted candidates from each category receive a recycled glass trophy and there will be a special prize and trophy for the overall winner.

The ceremony will take place on 31st January 2013 at County Hall, Committee Suite at 2pm.

In 1990/91 Devon’s recycling rate was just 2%. The partnership aims to increase Devon’s recycling and composting rate to 60% by 2015 and 65% by 2025.