AT THE recent waste plastic collection organised by Sustainable Crediton's Waste Action Group, 57 dumpy bags of waste plastic were accumulated which brings the total waste plastic collected to 10 tonnes in weight! Over 650 builders dumpy bags have been filled during collections – enough to fill seven double-decker buses! Anne Tucker who organises the collections said: "We are constantly amazed, like everyone else who comes along just how much plastic we collect in just a short space of time. "This shows just how passionate people in the Crediton area are about recycling and we would like to thank all those who come along with their clean waste plastic to recycle. "Not only does this mean that it is diverted from going to landfill, but it is also saving the council from paying landfill tax which benefits us all when the council tax we pay does not increase! "We get some very kind comments and many people actually thank us for collecting the plastic." "We do not make any money from the event, but are doing it to promote recycling and to encourage more people to recycle plastic. "The Punchbowl recycling centre run by Devon County Council will also take plastic, so we would also encourage people to use the facilities there." As well as Crediton, the residents of Sandford and Cheriton Fitzpaine have their own separate collections and are showing how keen and willing they are to recycle. Carolyn Scott, another member of the group added: "We realise that this is only a drop in the ocean when it comes to the amount of waste we all produce, but many people are surprised just how much of their rubbish is plastic. "By recycling plastic there is very little that is left for landfill." For those who are interested in recycling, a comprehensive guide to all items that can be recycled can be found at: http://www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk/waste/recycle/the-complete-recycling-guide.aspx">www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk/waste/recycle/the-complete-recycling-guide.aspx . The guide also lists all the types of plastic items can be collected. Ultimately it is hoped that the current plastic throwaway culture will change and both supermarkets and manufacturers will provide more sustainable packing. In the meantime everyone should try and reduce the amount of packaging they amass. The next collection will be held at Peck and Strong's car park at Lords Meadow Industrial Estate (near the Leisure Centre) on Saturday July 26, from 10 am to 12.30 pm. For more information on the Waste Action Group visit the website: http://www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk">www.sustainablecrediton.org.uk .