10th February 2012

OTTERY ST MARY: Tree recycling increase

GARDENERS from East Devon District Council’s StreetScene service have reduced 639 Christmas trees to woodchip during a recycling initiative which lasted for four days in January. This is an increase of 100 per cent since the free service started in 2008.

Facilities were originally set up in four East Devon towns, enabling the public to bring along their old Christmas trees and have them recycled into woodchip by EDDC staff. This number has now been increased, with sessions held at Budleigh for the first time in 2010 and at Broadclyst this year.

The woodchip produced by the operation is composted at EDDC’s depot in Sidmouth and will be used as a water-retaining, weed-suppressing mulch on shrubberies around the district in 2012.

Councillor Iain Chubb, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “This is an example of useful recycling and I am delighted to see the people of East Devon embracing the initiative. Not only is it an excellent way for residents to get rid of their old trees, without having to travel far to do so, but it will also have a positive long-term impact on the environment.

“Following the launch of the scheme in 2008, more people have taken advantage of the facilities this year and eight towns and villages are now involved – Axminster, Broadclyst, Budleigh, Exmouth, Honiton, Ottery St Mary, Seaton and Sidmouth.

OTTERY ST MARY: Tree recycling increase

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