Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Wednesday, 2 February 2011.

Waste Management: Refuse Collection

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, following reports of local authorities stopping weekly refuse collections and the decision of Wokingham Borough Council to introduce a collection limit of 80 bags of ordinary refuse per annum, they will re-examine the operation of the European Union directive on the landfill of waste (1999/31/EC) and seek to amend it.

Answer: The objective of the landfill directive is to prevent or reduce the negative effects on the environment and human health of the landfilling of waste. It does not prescribe the methods by which waste is collected in member states. The Government have no plans to seek amendment of the landfill directive. The Government are carrying out a review of waste policies, which will consider the most effective ways of reducing and recycling waste and improving waste services to local communities, households and businesses. The Government's view is that it is for local authorities to determine the best collection service for their area, consulting residents to ensure that they provide a service that meets local needs and priorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 6327; 724 c280WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Waste Management: Landfill
Monday, 14 February 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: EU law Landfill Domestic waste Waste disposal
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk