High street plan for recycle bins
August 17, 2007
Recycling bins may be placed alongside rubbish bins in high streets and other public places under government plans.
They will try to address the situation which means many people now use recycling bins at home but, when they are out, throw all rubbish in one bin.
The UK has one of the lowest recycling rates in Europe and ministers want to reduce the amount thrown away.
Local authorities back the idea, which would be voluntary, but say they want more money to help fund it.
BBC political reporter Rob Young said the scheme would be voluntary but the "threat of legislation" was there, although ministers say a change in the law at the moment would be "premature".
Ministers want recycling bins, which would accept paper, glass and cans, alongside waste bins on high streets, on beaches and even in cinemas.
The government has cited examples of places which are already doing this and doing it well, such as London, Cornwall, Dorset and Manchester.
Millions of tonnes of rubbish go into litter bins every year and most of that goes to landfill sites.
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