Government dumps 'pay-as-you-throw' rubbish charges

Plans for a pay-as-you-throw rubbish system have been scrapped by the new government. Labour originally proposed the scheme that would see people pay for the amount for rubbish they threw out. 

Communities Minister Eric Pickles said the government would prefer to reward people for recycling. He is backing a scheme piloted by Windsor and Maidenhead Council where residents get rewarded for recycling by being given points that can be spent at local shops, leisure centres or could be donated to schools. 

The scheme offers families up to £135 a year if they throw out less and recycle more.

Mr Pickles said on Monday: “It increases the recycling rate and puts money into the local economy."

The UK needs to reduce the amount of rubbish it sends to landfill by two thirds by 2020 in order to meet European targets.

The pay-as-you-throw system was widely criticised as there were fears we would see mass fly-tipping and people dumping rubbish in other people’s bins. Mr Pickles said: “It’s time to rein in the bin bullies and work with local people to build greener and cleaner communities.”

Cornwall Council wants all new homes in the county to have a dedicated recycling space and plans to amend the planing guidelines. 

Do you recycle? Would you recycle more if Cornwall Council bought in this scheme? Do you think their is a better way to increase the amount we recycle? Let us know in the comments.