The Recycling Doorstep Challenge

The UK only recycles around 12 % of its waste, with some local authorities recycling as little as 1% whilst some European nationes – such as Austria (64 %) and Belgium (52%) - have a far more impressive waste record.

The Doorstep Recycling Bill, drawn up by Friends of the Earth, has been introduced to Parliament as a Private Members Bill by Lewisham Deptford MP Joan Ruddock. However, although calls for comprehensive doorstep recycling have received backing from well more than half of MPs (384 out of 659), it will only become law if enough turn up and vote when it is debated in the House of Commons. The first debate is on 14 March.

There is a huge difference in recycling rates between regions (2000/01):
South East - 16.4 %
East - 15.1%
South West - 15 %
E Midlands - 13.1 %
W Midlands - 9 %
London - 8.7 %
North West - 7.8 %
Yorks/Hum - 7.2 %
N East - 4.1 %

The variation is even greater between local authorities. According to the latest figures, the best are Daventry (42 %), Eastleigh (32%) and Forest Heath (28%), but some are as low as 1%. But if Joan Ruddock's Bill becomes law, every local authority will have to provide a quality doorstep recycling service.

Friends of the Earth's waste campaigner Karine Pellaumail said: “Most of our waste is either dumped in holes in the ground or incinerated. This is bad for the environment, a potential threat to people’s health and deeply unpopular. If it becomes law, the Doorstep Recycling Bill will dramatically increase recycling rates by providing every household in England with a collection scheme making recycling as easy as putting out the rubbish. People throughout the country can give their support by joining the Waste Lobby on Wednesday 22 January or contacting their MP and urging them to back Joan Ruddock’s Bill.”

Joan Ruddock MP said: “The Doorstep Recycling Bill will make a significant contribution to increasing the amount of waste that this country recycles. I hope that as many people as possible will come to the rally and urge their MPs to turn up and vote for my Bill when it is debated in Parliament on 14 March.”