Totnes Recycling Centre

I used to live in totnes and during that time I absolutely dreaded going to the recycling centre because of the rude and unhelpful staff there. I was always worried I would get told off. I thought by now maybe some of these staff would have been replaced or at least retrained but looking at recent reviews it doesn't appear to be the case. I was so relieved when I moved to helston that I no longer have to dread going to the recycling centre because the staff there are so friendly and helpful! Do better totnes!

Rude and unhelpful... the large lady is very unhelpful and twice refused to assist me with my goods .. I'm 79 with need of a walking stick never had this problem before the changes pity they had to retire at least the staff knew of my needs and couldn't help enough

Unpleasant experience due to the big dirty operative standing and shouting abuse to all the CUSTOMERS trying to recycle. The old slob needs 1. Customer service training. 2. A job away from the public. 3. A good wash.

Easy access, no appointment needed, helpful staff, plenty of exercise climbing up and down the steps to the skips.

I’ve been here about 6 times now and the first time I went I thought that the rude, unhelpful staffs were a one off! Unfortunately it wasn’t. Every time I have been, the weighty chap, who is a complete waste of space, is either leaning against the wall unable to move or talk, unless he is forced to, or is stood with a cup of tea in his hands, completely ignoring people or giving a grunt and scowl! You can even see him on the Google Maps, that’s how long he has been stood there doing nothing! I believe on the website it says “reasonable assistance will be given”, but in reality you have got no chance of getting any assistance whatsoever. I don’t expect staff to run over to help, but I do expect a smile and help when I am stuck not knowing what to do. I don’t want to be looked at as though I was a piece of dirt on his shoes, which has interrupted his never-ending break! We go to the tip because we have no other way of disposing of certain goods. I would definitely not go if I had any other choice. What made this worse is on my last visit, the young man had started having the same attitude as the regular member of staff. What a shame that he is being led by a very poor example and no doubt will also experience the same bad reviews. Perhaps someone needs to move the staff around and try to improve the reviews? Although I don’t see this happening because they say the staffs represents the management and they obviously know, as can be seen be previous reviews? It costs nothing to smile and be pleasant and sociable. If you don’t like your job move to collect the bins or do some other job. We pay for this service and if this was a financially unsupported business they would go bankrupt. I do a lot of reviews (see my other reviews) and very few are negative, but this is the worst place to go, but we have to! My recommendation is don’t go or better still complain! Dont takle my word for it. Next time you go to Totnes Recycling Centre, do your own review and we may be able to make a change for the better. I’ve given this One Star as we did actually get rid of our rubbish!

Yes it’s small but the staff are good just the users that seem lost!

Really helpful recycling centre. After recently buying a home and finding the previous owner left lots of rubbish in the shed, Colin and Martin have been so helpful (3 loads over one weekend). Some of the waste was too heavy for me to cary up the steps which was no issue and I got plenty of help. My bored 7 year old in the car was entertained by the amazing Woody. Just a really helpful recycling centre + tidy and organised. Thank you guys.

Devon should make the operatives here part of their staff training programme. They would become film stars in their own right - outstanding negative role models for Devon County Council - Films such as 'How not to Treat Your Customers!' - 'Carry on Down to the Tip!' or 'Do Little - Do Less!'