Two representatives from Devon County Council, Lucy Mottram and Bobby Hughes, spoke to members of Dawlish & District u3a (University of the Third Age) via Zoom recently to tell them about the importance of reducing household waste.

In an interesting and upbeat presentation, members learnt that a worryingly large 30.1% of residential bin waste was from the kitchen, and 40.8% of waste in black bins could have been recycled.

The council representatives also told them that in an ideal world as much as 70% of all residential waste could be recycled.

But how does this affect me?

Environmental concerns aside, dealing with this problem costs Devon County Council (and therefore taxpayers) a staggering £6.7 million.

What should we aim for?

Teignbridge actually has a good recycling record already, as does Devon.

Currently, just 4% of waste in Devon goes to landfill - but the aim is to have no landfill waste whatsoever.

Each person should make sure to audit their own waste, and be a 'conscientious consumer' - that means not buying products with non-recyclable packaging, recycling as much as possible, and getting involved in community litter-picking projects and supporting community action groups.

Dawlish & District u3a has over 100 members who meet monthly to listen to speakers on a diverse range of subjects, and to enjoy each other's company. In addition, about 20 interest groups meet throughout the month to pursue subjects as varied as Great Lives, History, French Conversation, Wine Appreciation, Scrabble, Rumikub, and Gardens & Gateaux. To find out more, visit their website here.