Written question asked by Richard Taylor (Independent (affiliation)) on Thursday, 3 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 February 2005. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 10 February 2005 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 measures she is taking to encourage increased clarity in the labelling relating to recycling on plastic packaging and containers; and if she will ensure that local authorities have consistent policies relating to the range of plastic materials that they will collect for recycling.

Answer: Dr. Richard Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures she is taking to encourage increased clarity in the labelling relating to recycling on plastic packaging and containers; and if she will ensure that local authorities have consistent policies relating to the range of plastic materials that they will collect for recycling. [214915] Mr. Morley: Commission Decision 97/129/EC provides numbering and abbreviations for the identification of packaging materials, including plastics. While the marking system is voluntary, we encourage manufacturers to use the markings where possible to aid the process of sorting and recycling of the plastic packaging waste. Government have set each local authority in England statutory performance standards for recycling and composting of household waste for 2003-04 and 2005-06. In addition, the Household Waste Recycling Act 2003 requires waste collection authorities--subject to certain exemptions--to provide a kerbside collection service of at least two recyclable materials by 2010. It is local authorities' responsibility to decide which range of materials they collect for recycling or composting, taking into account local circumstances, to help them meet the standards and the requirements of the Act. The Waste and Resources Action Programme supports and advises local authorities on separate collection of dry recyclables and organic wastes.

Secondary information