INNOVATIVE schemes which can reduce household waste and increase recycling across Devon are being invited to bid for a share of a £4,000 fund from Monday, December 1.

The Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee (DAWRRC), which represents a partnership between the seven District Councils, Exeter City Council, Torbay Council and Devon County Council, is offering the Innovation Fund to stimulate new approaches to reducing, reusing or recycling household waste in Devon.

The fund is open to all, including individuals, businesses and community groups.

Councillor Ray Radford, Chairman of the Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee, said: “People across Devon must be thanked for their efforts in making Devon one of the best performing counties in the country for our recycling rates.

"However, there is still a lot of work to be done to reach our recycling target of 65% by 2025. The challenges of improving on Devon’s recycling success become even greater, particularly with the increasing amount of waste being produced and all partnership authorities facing financial pressures.

"The Innovation Fund aims to support new schemes which may contribute to addressing these challenges of reducing household waste, or reusing and recycling more.”

The closing date for applications is Saturday 28 February 2015.