DESPITE widespread indignation aroused by maggot-infested green bins last summer, feedback on Teignbridge Council's draft recycling plan was so poor that the council had to directly canvass the public's views. A sample of 183 residents were contacted by letter and a further 231 by email. The youth council was also invited to give its views. Of 182 responses received, 95 per cent agreed with the principles of recycling, but only 65 per cent thought the targets were achievable, while 38 per cent thought the targets ought to be higher. Teignbridge Council aims to increase the percentage of waste recycled year-on-year from 34 per cent for 2006/7 to 45 per cent in 1009/10. This will mean a slight drop in the amount sent to landfill despite the inexorable rise in the total amount of household waste produced each year. Chris Braines, waste management officer, confirmed that the main push will be to reduce the amount that goes to landfill. 'Many people wonder why food waste shouldn't go into landfill, when it will rot down. The problem is that is causes methane, which causes climate change,' he said. More than a fifth of those questioned were dissatisfied with different aspects of the scheme, citing the problem of smelly green bins in summer, newspapers getting wet and the limited number of plastics currently being recycled. The council is responding to each of these points. About 1,500 households in Newton Abbot are to be provided with free blue plastic bags in which to store their newspapers on a trial basis. If successful, it will go districtwide. Householders will also be able to buy caddy liners at a reduced rate. The bags are made from corn starch and are fully compostable – a more environmentally-friendly option than degradable liners. They will cost £3 for 50 – roughly a third of the commercial cost. Fifteen paper banks have recently been exchanged for mixed plastic bottle banks. The council is planning to expand the recycling effort by increasing recycling facilities in town centres, high streets, schools and tourist resorts. In a report to the overview and scrutiny committee on Wednesday last week, Mr Braines said it was 'rewarding' to see six of the seven key best practice features listed by Friends of the Earth already being practiced in Teignbridge. The plan will now go to the executive for approval.
