HC Deb 05 March 2001 vol 364 cc59-60W
Mr. Leslie

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what guidance he is giving local authorities in planning their municipal waste management strategies; and if he will make a statement. [152427]

Mr. Meacher

Best value guidance which was published last December already sets out clear standards for local authorities to adhere to in delivering waste management services.

Today I am publishing guidance for English local authorities in preparing their Municipal Waste Management Strategies. It sets out the new statutory targets for authorities on household waste recycling and composting, which we promised in "Waste Strategy 2000". Overall these statutory targets will double recycling of such waste by 2003–04 and triple it by 2005–06. The guidance encourages Collection and Disposal Authorities to work closely together to deliver these targets. It also includes guidance on the Waste Minimisation Act 1998. Copies of the guidance have been deposited in the House of Commons Library and are being sent to all relevant English local authorities.