Written question asked by Peter Ainsworth (Conservative) on Monday, 15 October 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 October 2001. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Monday, 29 October 2001 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many tonnes of (a) glass, (b) paper, (c) metals and (d) textiles which are collected for recycling were disposed of in landfill sites in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement. - Includes figures. (Holding answer 18 October 2001).

Answer: Mr. Peter Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many tonnes of (a) glass, (b) paper, (c) metals and (d) textiles which are collected for recycling were disposed of in landfill sites in the last 12 months; and if she will make a statement. [8288] Margaret Beckett: [holding answer 18 October 2001]: The Department does not record this information. However, what is known is that in 1999-2000 approximately 29 million tonnes of municipal waste was collected by local authorities. Of this approximately 81 per cent. was sent to landfill and 11 per cent. was considered to have been recycled. 395,000 tonnes of glass, 922,000 tonnes of paper and card, 277,000 tonnes of metal and white goods and 46,000 tonnes of textiles were collected for recycling by local authorities in 1999-2000. Figures for 2000-01 are not yet known.

Secondary information