New council company to manage recycling services

Waste and recycling services across east Devon will be managed by a new company under the district council from 2026.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) said the decision to ensure "long term cost effectiveness" comes as its contract with Suez was set to end in June 2026.

The council said the decision was made at a council meeting on 26 February, adding its new local authority trading company (LATCo) would manage the services.

Councillor Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for coast, country and environment, said: "All staff will be invited to transfer to the new company. All operations and vehicles will transfer to the new company, which will be fully owned by EDDC."

"It is crucial that this transition is smooth for our residents and day-to-day services will continue as usual," he added.

"The decision to manage our own services has not been taken lightly but it will put us in a better position to adapt to new legislation."

Mr Jung said Suez had delivered "excellent service", adding "their efforts have contributed to our outstanding recycling rates, with over 60% of our waste being recycled".

Vincent Masseri, general manager municipal south for SUEZ, said the recycling company had serviced east Devon for about three decades.

"Together we pioneered three weekly collections and have seen East Devon consistently achieve one of the top recycling rates in England," the general manager said.

"The lasting impact of our collaboration has put the council in great shape for the government reforms to household recycling collections that come into effect next year."

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