Recycling Bill A Wasted Opportunity-Britain Needs Zero Waste Strategy

12.36.51pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 14th Oct 2003

Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary

Commenting the completion of the Household Waste Recycling Bill, which now requires waste recycling to be collected from every home in England, Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, said: "The Household Waste Recycling Bill is a sensible step forward in waste management and implements a Liberal Democrat manifesto pledge. But it has only been made possible by the concerted efforts of backbenchers and pressure groups."

"Yet again the Government has been shown to have no strategy and has been shamed into approving initiatives from outside."

"If the Government is so committed to recycling, why are Ministers still allowing a chain of incinerators to be built?"

"Britain needs a comprehensive Zero Waste Strategy, similar to that agreed at the Liberal Democrat conference, rather than the anarchic measures currently in place."