What a waste: The councils that don't recycle

IN a bid to encourage households to recycle more waste, weekly refuse collections will almost certainly become fortnightly after the election – even though there will be no corresponding decrease in council tax bills.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Feb 2010, 18:45 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2010, 18:45 BST

The Government and local authorities believe that this will be the most effective way of avoiding large EU financial penalties over volumes of landfill waste. Yet, while gentle persuasion has led to the majority

of families becoming

more aware of their environmental obligations, the lamentable example set by some public sector bodies is hardly going to advance the green cause.

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Quite the opposite. Why should residents be expected to go the extra mile, and sort waste into different receptacles, when the powers-that-be set such an appalling example and, in Rotherham's case, recycle just one per cent of paper at some offices?

It's not just about setting standards. As large employers, local authorities will, inevitably, generate a significant amount of waste that requires disposal. Yet far too many councils across Yorkshire do not appear to have stringent strategies in place to tackle this issue – while, at the same time, expecting local residents

to adhere to strict rules or face financial sanctions if they do not comply with recycling rules.

Such double standards will only alienate those who believe it is their moral obligation, as responsible citizens, to be eco-friendly – and further entrench those who wash the hands of this issue and simply expect the council to empty their bins every week. As such, it is up to the councils concerned to raise their game – and match their rhetoric with deeds. It's their only option.

Related topics:GovernmentRotherhamYorkshire