To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which local authorities have introduced wheeled refuse containers for the collection of household waste, according to records held by (a) his Department and (b) the Waste and Resources Action Programme. (294450)

I have placed the list of local authorities operating residual collections in wheeled bins for 2008-09 in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 14 July 2009, Official Report, column 229W, on the Futuresource Conference, what the cost of the quantitative and qualitative research commissioned by the Waste and Resources Action Programme on Principles of a good collection service was; and which contractors provided the research. (294457)

The quantitative and qualitative research, carried out by Brook Lyndhurst and ICM on behalf of the Local Government Association and the Waste and Resources Action Programme, cost £38,600. The research was to ensure that the principles of a good recycling service, called for by the fifth report (2006-07) of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, were firmly based on evidence of the views and priorities of the public.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance or advice the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has issued on the operation of (a) closed-lid policies and (b) no side waste policies in respect of the collection of household waste, other than in its guidance on alternative weekly collections. (294467)

WRAP has published no additional guidance on either subject.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what pilot programmes involving the weighing of household refuse containers have been supported by (a) his Department and (b) the Waste and Resources Action Programme to date. (294615)

Neither DEFRA nor the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has supported pilot programmes involving the weighing of household refuse containers.

However, WRAP is preparing a review of such weighing systems to assess their suitability for use in reward schemes such as 'Recyclebank.'

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance (a) his Department and (b) the Waste and Resources Action Programme has issued on the use of (a) 140 litre and (b) 240 litre household wheeled refuse containers. (294621)

The Government believe local authorities are best placed to make waste management strategy decisions for their local areas. It has issued no such guidance but does encourage local authorities to consult extensively with residents to ensure their opinions and preferences are taken into consideration.

WRAP has issued no such guidance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment the Waste and Resources Action Programme has made of household waste collections in overseas countries on (a) three-weekly or (b) four-weekly collection cycles. (294964)

No such assessment has been made by the Waste and Resources Action Programme.