(2) what steps his Department (a) is taking and (b) plans to take to develop a framework to reward people for recycling waste; what recent representations he has received on this matter; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what recent reports he has received of the effectiveness of schemes operating in other EU countries to reward people for recycling waste; and if he will make a statement.
Schemes which reward people for recycling more and minimising waste are provided for by powers introduced in the Climate Change Act. The Act allows up to five local authorities in England to pilot waste incentive schemes to encourage household waste minimisation and recycling, which will have real environmental benefits. Reward-only and voucher-based schemes are included within the scope of the powers. It is up to local authorities to make a proposal to the Secretary of State for permission to run a pilot, in line with local needs. None have yet done so. I have not had any discussions with or received any representations or reports from EU counterparts or representatives from the EU Commission on reward schemes for recycling waste.