URGENT: NORTH DEVON BUSINESSES NEEDS YOUR HELP!!

We need 1000 signatures asap to spark a Full Council Debate on the continuation of the Trade Waste Team!

On 5th January 2026 North Devon Council voted by split decision to abolish the Trade Waste and Recycling collection for North Devon. This affects 1800 local businesses (around 35% of North Devon Businesses) and in turn 0000s of local employees.

A motion was made on 14th January by Councillor Jones to refer the abolishment back to Committee stage for discussion which was denied by 18-17. All but 1 Liberal Democrat Councillors voted to abolish and 1 abstained. 

Losing the Trade Waste team will be catastrophic for some local businesses.

The trade waste team has been making a loss. Understandably it could not continue in this form. There has been a 1% consultation to which the overwhelming response was that customers were prepared to pay the 25% price increase proposed yet still this did not meet the committees approval.

Business rates are increasing in April….what are they being used for as they are certainly not being used to help SME?

Reasons that the Council need to reconsider:-

1.      Business Interruption on multiple levels at a time when Businesses need supporting.

2.      Alternate refuse collection firms will have monopoly over loyal longstanding North Devon Council users. I have received anecdotes from those that work for alternate firms that they will simply hike prices again given their monopoly. Having undertaken an analysis of fellow Trade waste operators our annual costs will go up by a minimum of 75%.  This will be difficult to absorb for many businesses.

3.      Are these firms going to be able to accommodate this amount of business in 1 tranche?

4.      Will these firms be able to deal with regularity of collections the Council provided? (Especially during the peak summer months when many need additional collections)

5.      Will these firms be able to provide the level of service the Council offered.

6.      Rural businesses will find it very difficult to find a collection operator. I have been provided evidence of this from a local Business Operator.

7.      If collections cannot be undertaken, an environmental health pandemic could occur. This in turn could lead to extensive fly tipping over our beautiful area.

8.      What is going to happen to the 000s of bins currently owned by the Council?

9.      LOCAL PEOPLE WILL LOSE EMPLOYMENT when it could be avoided.

The Trade Waste section must be commercial but in order to help the 000s of local users remain commercial I urge you all to sign the petition so it sparks a full Council debate.

Thank you for taking the time to read and support this petition.