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Refuse changes 'boost recycling' Refuse changes 'boost recycling'
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Councils that have switched from weekly to fortnightly rubbish collections achieve higher recycling rates, a study has suggested.Councils that have switched from weekly to fortnightly rubbish collections achieve higher recycling rates, a study has suggested.
It shows an average recycling rate of 30% for these councils, compared with 23% for those that had not switched.It shows an average recycling rate of 30% for these councils, compared with 23% for those that had not switched.
The Local Government Association study found some had already exceeded their targets for 2010. The Local Government Association (LGA) study found some had already exceeded their targets for 2010.
But fortnightly collections have been criticised, with complaints about bad smells, maggots and vermin.But fortnightly collections have been criticised, with complaints about bad smells, maggots and vermin.
The LGA, which represents local councils in England, said such an increase in recycling across the country would save taxpayers about £22m a year in taxes on landfill.
Britain is the dustbin of Europe with more rubbish being thrown into landfill than any other country on the continent Sandy Bruce LockhartLocal Government Association
LGA chairman Sandy Bruce Lockhart said: "With landfill taxes set to rise dramatically in the coming five years, there will be more and more pressure on councils to cut the amount of rubbish that gets thrown into landfill."
He added: "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 environmental consequences or rising costs. Those days are now over."
He said the move to fortnightly collections aimed to "reduce waste, increase recycling and slow rising costs from EU legislation and higher landfill tax".
LGA senior policy consultant Corin Thomson told BBC News that if rubbish was not diverted from landfill then taxes on such waste - which will rise by a third next year - would be passed on to households.
TOP RECYCLING COUNCILS 1. North Kesteven 51.5%2. Rushcliffe 49.9%3. S Cambridgeshire 49.4%4. St Edmundsbury 48.6%5. Huntingdonshire 48.0%
One national newspaper has already launched a campaign to save weekly bin rounds.One national newspaper has already launched a campaign to save weekly bin rounds.
Doretta Cocks, a campaigner for weekly rubbish collections, is concerned at the increase in fortnightly collections.
She said: "When the warmer weather comes, the contents of the bins start to smell, many people are finding maggot infestations in the bin and flies all around it.
"We do believe also that they are attracting rats and mice."
Last month it emerged that more homes could see the end of weekly bin collections, after government research said there would be no hygiene problems if rubbish was wrapped.Last month it emerged that more homes could see the end of weekly bin collections, after government research said there would be no hygiene problems if rubbish was wrapped.
More than a third of councils in England have now abandoned weekly collections of rubbish.More than a third of councils in England have now abandoned weekly collections of rubbish.
It comes amid increasing pressure to dump less waste in landfills.It comes amid increasing pressure to dump less waste in landfills.
Local authorities that have switched to fortnightly collections tend to alternate the collection of general refuse with that of recyclables such as paper or garden waste.Local authorities that have switched to fortnightly collections tend to alternate the collection of general refuse with that of recyclables such as paper or garden waste.