Today (Monday 20 July) sees the launch of Torbay Green Points, a new scheme that will reward the residents of Torbay for reducing, reusing and recycling as well as supporting local charity projects and businesses.

From today and over the coming weeks, every household in Torbay will receive a welcome pack, containing information about the scheme and how to recycle in Torbay.

To take part in the Torbay Council scheme, residents need to activate their accounts. This can be done easily online at www.torbaygreenpoints.com, or over the phone on 0207 326 5055, or through the freepost activation form that residents will receive in their welcome packs.

Once they’ve activated their account, residents will be sent a Torbay Green Points card and key fob that they can use to get discounts in over 60 local businesses across Torbay. A full list of participating businesses will be sent out with the card and key fob, and it’s online at www.torbaygreenpoints.com and also on the free Local Rewards app, which you can download at: www.localgreenpoints.com/app

As residents of Torbay reduce, reuse and recycle more they will earn Green Points. The more Green Points they earn, the more money they will earn for local charity projects, with £6,000 to be split between five charities at the end of 12 months. Each charity is guaranteed to receive at least £500.

The charities that will be supported in the first year of the scheme are: Rowcroft Hospice, the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, Anode, the RNLI and the Special Care Baby Unit at Torbay Hospital.

Councillor Mark King, Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Planning, Transport and Housing, says: “With a recycling rate of 45% our residents are already good recyclers, however as a council we want to improve and I am delighted that we are launching Torbay Green Points today as we want to motivate and encourage residents to recycle as much as they can. This scheme will also support some great charitable causes and our fantastic local businesses.”

Graham Simmonds, Managing Director of Local Green Points, says: “I’m really excited as Torbay Council is our first local authority partner in Devon and I’m confident this scheme, with its emphasis on the local community, is going to be a real hit with residents. There are so many benefits to taking part – discounts at local businesses, money for local charities and the chance for residents to win vouchers for themselves too! Plus the scheme will help to make Torbay an even better, greener place to live.”