SUSTAINABLE Crediton’s last plastic recycling collection took place on Saturday, July 25.

Collections started in Crediton five years ago and have been held every two months throughout the year since 2013.

These collections have been supported by the public in their hundreds and prompted the setting up of additional satellite collections in Cheriton Fitzpaine and Sandford, which have now also ceased.

Anne Tucker who organised the plastic collections attributed the success of the project to the people in and around Crediton, who showed such support for this additional recycling facility.

Anne said: “We were really pleased to see so many people felt as passionate about recycling as we do and thank everyone who took part.”

We realise what has been collected is only drop in the ocean compared to the amount of plastic thrown away every day, but it was a start.

“We did not make money from the events, but did it to promote recycling and to encourage more people to recycle plastic.

“We are also very grateful to the volunteers who helped at the collections.”

After the first event held in 2011, it was planned to take all the plastic to the Punchbowl Recycling Centre, but so much plastic was brought along it was obvious that this was not feasible and help was needed to transport it.

An arrangement with Peninsular Waste Services (PWS) to help out, at no cost, was made. Even with a large van it needed two trips to their base nearby at North Tawton to transport the plastic each time.

At the base it was sorted, baled, and sent to outlets in the UK to be recycled into other plastic items.

Another member of the group Jill Baines said: “without the support of PWS to take the plastic away we could not have continued with these collections.

“They have been our lifeline and we are very appreciative”.

What started as a trial grew into regular collections at Peck & Strong’s car park on Lords Meadow Industrial Estate.

Esther Mann, also a group member said: “Since 2013 Peck & Strong have generously allowed us to use their premises for these recycling events - They have been very supportive.”

More than 1,000 builders bags full of plastic, weighing 14 tonnes were collected in total.

Enough bags to fill Crediton’s swimming pool nearly three times over or the Town Square up to a depth of six feet!

Anne continued: “We have been able to stop our collections now that Mid Devon District Council (MDDC) have started their kerbside plastic recycling, so less waste should go to landfill.

“Our Council Tax pays for rubbish to go to landfill, so the new scheme should be good for our pockets as well as the environment.

“We wish MDDC every success and hope that everyone will support them as much as our recycling events.”

“Ultimately we are hoping that the current plastic ‘throwaway’ culture will change and both supermarkets and manufacturers will provide more sustainable packing.

“In the meantime by making our own choices when out shopping, we can reduce what we need to throw away in the first place.”