FAMILIES in the Culm Valley and the Blackdown Hills have helped Mid Devon District Council achieve record levels of recycling.

Latest figures place the district among the very best in the country with its strongest-ever waste and recycling results.

For the year 2024/25, Mid Devon ranked 10th out of 197 local authorities for recycling, with a rate of 57.9 percent, improving on lasts year’s position of 11th and placing the district firmly within the top five percent nationally.

The council has also made significant progress in reducing non-recyclable (residual) waste.

Mid Devon ranks 6th out of 197 councils for the lowest tonnage collected per household, 296.8kg, an improvement from 9th last year, placing the district in the top three percent nationwide.

These results build on the council’s continued upward trend and reflect the ongoing commitment of residents to reduce waste and recycle more effectively.

Cabinet member for service delivery and continuous improvement, Cllr Josh Wright, said: “We are extremely proud to continue to climb the national rankings.

“This success is down to the continued efforts of our residents. By reducing waste, reusing more, and recycling correctly, you are helping to make a real difference – thank you.”

Since the introduction of the three-weekly waste collection service in October 2022, Mid Devon has consistently improved both recycling rates and waste reduction, demonstrating the long-term success of the scheme.

The Council remains committed to further improvements, with ongoing initiatives and trials aimed at increasing recycling performance and reducing waste even further in the years ahead.

Head of people, performance and waste, Matthew Page, said: “I would like to thank our workforce who deliver an excellent service for our residents’ day in, day out, and to our residents for backing the Bin-It 123 scheme.

“We look forward to seeing further improvements and new collection services rolled out in the coming months.”