Recycled Waste

Lynne Featherstone
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what guidance his Department provides to local authorities about sending recyclable waste to be recycled overseas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bradshaw
In March 2005, DEFRA wrote to all waste collection and disposal authorities in England, pressing them to ensure that any waste collected from households is managed in accordance with national, European and international obligations.

Local authorities should assure themselves that waste that is exported is in compliance with the relevant environmental legislation, including that which applies to waste exports, and the duty of care.

The Environment Agency has also published a guide on the international shipment of waste, “The Transfrontier Shipment of Waste”, which is available from its website: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/ep235tsw_446853.pdf.

Mr. Amess
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs which local authorities in England operate a compulsory recycling scheme; when each came into force; how much each local authority raised by using compulsory recycling in each year since its scheme came into force; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Bradshaw
The Department does not hold the information requested. It is the responsibility of each local authority to decide how to manage household waste sustainably and meet its targets. We are aware that authorities, such as the London borough of Barnet, are using compulsory recycling schemes. This is to ensure recycling services provided are used well, not to raise revenue.