Written question asked by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 June 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 June 2003 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, what percentage of homes have a separate collection for recycling at least every two weeks of (a) glass, (b) paper, (c) metal food and drinks cans and foil, (d) plastics and (e) biodegradable waste; and what the average percentage is of these materials recycled by the homes that (i) have these collections, and (ii) those that do not. - Inc figures and fact that the data to answer the second part of the question is not collected. (Holding answer 9 June 2003).

Answer: Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what percentage of homes have a separate collection for recycling at least every two weeks of (a) glass, (b) paper, (c) metal food and drinks cans and foil, (d) plastics and (e) biodegradable waste; and what the average percentage is of these materials recycled by the homes that (i) have these collections, and (ii) those that do not. [117817] Mr. Morley: [holding answer 9 June 2003]: The figures relate to 2001-02 which is the most recent year for which we have full statistics: The percentage of households that receive a kerbside collection of the following recycleable materials are: (a) glass--15 per cent. (b) paper--44 per cent. (c) metal cans and foil--20 per cent. (d) plastic--8 per cent. (e) compost--14 per cent. co-mingled 12 per cent. Co-mingled collections typically contain 2-5 materials and may or may not include those materials asked about above. The data to answer the second part of the question is not collected.

Secondary information