Recycling Rates in West Midlands need to be better says MEP

1.52.08pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 30th Aug 2006

With news that the UK has one of the worst recycling records in Europe, Liberal Democrat MEP Liz Lynne has praised the work of some district authorities in the West Midlands region but called on others to do better.

Lichfield and Stratford-on-Avon top the tables in the region while Sandwell and Cannock Chase are bottom of the recycling heap.

Liz said: "With the figures showing only Portugal and Greece recycle less than the UK, I hope this is a real wake-up call to show how rubbish we are at recycling.

"Nationally, the West Midlands is about average but we should do so much better. Of course the district councils should do everything they can but what is really important is that everyone does their bit at home.

"Phone up your council to make sure you have all the different bins on offer so you can separate out all your rubbish and avoid stuffing everything in the general waste.

"Well done to the councils and residents who are doing their bit. Keep up the good work."

Editor's Notes

Figures come from a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) and Green Alliance to be published this autumn. The report will recommend that local authorities are given powers to charge a 'pay-as-you-throw' fee for collecting un-recyclable rubbish.

England's household waste recycling target for 2005, which was originally set in 2000, was 25 per cent

Top five recycling authorities in West Midlands

Recycling and composting rate 2004/05 (%)

Lichfield 46.35

Stratford-on-Avon 32.92

Tamworth 30.70

Bridgnorth 30.50

Staffordshire Moorlands 30.26

Bottom five recycling authorities in West Midlands

Recycling and composting rate 2004/05 (%)

Wychavon 15.07

Birmingham 14.94

Newcastle Under Lyme 11.61

Cannock Chase 10.79

Sandwell 10.76

A full list of West Midlands local authorities' recycling performance data is available upon request from the ippr press office.