Waste collections brought in-house to save money

WEST Devon Borough Council says its decision to bring its household waste and recycling service in-house next year is the “best value for money option” for the taxpayer.

- ALISON STEPHENSON

The council’s eight-year current contract with FCC Environment is scheduled to end in April 2027, and it will not be renewed.

All staff currently employed by FCC to provide the service will transfer to the council.

WDBC said its decision “reflects the council’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, resilient and sustainable service for residents by having direct control over how the service develops and improves moving forward.

“The decision also reflects the best value for money option for the council taxpayer.”

It also hopes that by bringing the service back in-house people will be encouraged to recycle more. The recycling rate in 2024/25 was around 54% in West Devon. The Government has set an ambitious target to recycle 65% of municipal waste by 2035.