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Britain top of EU waste figures Britain top of EU waste figures
(about 2 hours later)
The UK dumps more household waste into landfill than any other EU state, figures show - and landfill space could run out in as little as nine years.The UK dumps more household waste into landfill than any other EU state, figures show - and landfill space could run out in as little as nine years.
It sends more than 27m tonnes of waste into landfills each year, the Local Government Association (LGA) said, and has become the "dustbin of Europe". It sends more than 27m tonnes of waste into landfill each year, according to analysis by the Local Government Association (LGA).
The waste works out as the equivalent of half a tonne per household per year. This is the equivalent of half a tonne per household per year making the UK the "dustbin of Europe", it says.
The LGA warned that an area the size of city Warwick, which covers 109 square miles, is already taken up by landfill. It warns an area the size of Warwick - 109 square miles - is already landfill.
Waste collection chargeWaste collection charge
Britain sends more than seven million tonnes more waste into landfill that any other country, according to the figures.Britain sends more than seven million tonnes more waste into landfill that any other country, according to the figures.
Germany, which has a population 25% bigger than the UK, puts only half this amount into rubbish tips.Germany, which has a population 25% bigger than the UK, puts only half this amount into rubbish tips.
The LGA, which represents 400 councils in England and Wales, wants the government to allow local authorities powers to reduce council tax for households throwing out less rubbish and impose separate charges for collecting waste.The LGA, which represents 400 councils in England and Wales, wants the government to allow local authorities powers to reduce council tax for households throwing out less rubbish and impose separate charges for collecting waste.
It is time manufacturers were made to take full responsibility for the life cycle of their products Paul Bettison, LGAIt is time manufacturers were made to take full responsibility for the life cycle of their products Paul Bettison, LGA
It is also calling for the manufacturers of single-use items such as nappies, disposable cameras and batteries to contribute to the cost of dealing with their disposal.It is also calling for the manufacturers of single-use items such as nappies, disposable cameras and batteries to contribute to the cost of dealing with their disposal.
Councillor Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA's Environment Board, said: "It is time manufacturers were made to take full responsibility for the life cycle of their products. It is totally unacceptable that the council tax payer is picking up the bill for business."Councillor Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA's Environment Board, said: "It is time manufacturers were made to take full responsibility for the life cycle of their products. It is totally unacceptable that the council tax payer is picking up the bill for business."
Landfill finesLandfill fines
He said: "Britain is the dustbin of Europe with more rubbish being thrown into landfill than any other country on the continent.He said: "Britain is the dustbin of Europe with more rubbish being thrown into landfill than any other country on the continent.
"For decades people have been used to being able to throw their rubbish away without worrying about the consequences. Those days are now over.""For decades people have been used to being able to throw their rubbish away without worrying about the consequences. Those days are now over."
Councils face fines of up to £150 per tonne of landfill waste, and there are warnings these costs could be passed on to taxpayers.Councils face fines of up to £150 per tonne of landfill waste, and there are warnings these costs could be passed on to taxpayers.
After the UK, Italy is next with 20m tonnes, followed by Spain (17m), France (13m) and Germany (10m).After the UK, Italy is next with 20m tonnes, followed by Spain (17m), France (13m) and Germany (10m).