The South West is 'enthusiastically embracing recycling'

Devon recycles between 20% and 25% of its rubbish and Cornwall between 15% and 20%. The English average is 14.5%.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley, who was visiting Cornwall on Wednesday, said the region has utilised its government grants successfully.

All local authorities in the country must meet a national recycling target of 25% by 2005-6.

Tin cans, bottles, jars, plastic bottles all get crushed up and recycled. That's all there is to it Gill Jenkins, guest house owner

A new �2.3m recycling centre has been built in Bodmin, Cornwall, with �1.7m coming from a government grant.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley said the South West was doing exceptionally well.

He said: "The people in the South West are enthusiastically embracing the whole idea of recycling."

Bodmin guest house owner Gill Jenkins said the centre was excellent for people, like her, who were committed to recycling.

She said: "Egg boxes go to our local fishmonger, with carrier bags that everyone seems to collect."

"Everything else - tin cans, bottles, jars, plastic bottles - all get crushed up and recycled. That's all there is to it."