§ Mr. Malcolm BruceTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he is taking to encourage the recycling of(a) used batteries, (b) household chemical wastes and (c) cloth; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley[holding answer 19 July 1989]: The Government encourage recycling whenever it makes economic and environmental sense.
Many batteries are already recycled. For example, some 80 per cent. of all lead acid automotive batteries are fully reclaimed. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry will be considering how to respond to the proposed European Community directive on batteries.
Advice on the disposal of awkward household wastes was published in 1974 by HMSO. This includes guidance on chemical waste reclamation.
The recycling of textiles is a matter in the first instance for industry, which will encourage the recovery of all textiles for which there is a viable market.