To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many licences have been issued by the Environment Agency for green waste recycling centres in each year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. (141682)

The Environment Agency (EA) does not have a specific category for green waste recycling centres. As of 8 June 2007, the EA’s records show a total of 211 licensed composting facilities and 524 licensed civic amenity/household waste sites, which generally accept green waste from the public.

In 1998-99, there were 108 EA licensed composting sites and 458 licensed civic amenity/household waste sites. A breakdown of the number of licences issued per year is not available.

The number of composting facilities processing green waste has steadily increased since 1998, in line with the Government's strategy to promote the reuse, reduction and recycling of waste.