§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what tonnage of waste is estimated to be recycled, annually; what percentage this constitutes of total waste; and if he will make a statement. [40328]
§ Mr. ClappisonAn average of 38 million tonnes of controlled wastes, excluding sewage sludge and dredged spoils, are estimated to be recycled annually. This represents 22 per cent. of total controlled waste arisings. The Government's overall policy aim for achieving more sustainable waste management is to increase the proportion of waste managed by the options towards the top of the waste hierarchy including recycling.