Essex Councils missing recycling trick

7.17.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 1st Oct 2008

Your rubbish is worth money and councils in Essex are failing to reap the financial rewards, according to local Liberal Democrats. Cllr Ian Gale (Chelmsford West), Lib Dem spokesman for waste and recycling, explained: "Recycled rubbish, such as paper and plastic, is becoming an increasingly valuable commodity and one that councils should be taking advantage of. We urge the ruling Conservative party at Essex County Council to take a far more proactive role in helping local councils to identify what is not being recycled and why.

"The rising cost of oil, which is used to make plastic, means that recycled plastics can be sold for a premium price and this money could be used to subsidise the collection of recyclables. Recycled paper, cardboard and metal from cans are also products that are attracting high prices in the recyclates market.

"Liberal Democrats in Essex have long argued that more recycling is the way to deal with domestic waste. The Conservative plan to lock taxpayers into long term contacts shoving waste into large treatment plants is looking shakier than ever.