08 June 2010

Eric Pickles backs plan for microchips in home bins to boost recycling
Plans to fit wheelie bins with microchips as part of a scheme to boost recycling were backed by the Government yesterday.

Eric Pickles, the Communities Secretary said the Government would not go ahead with plans for "a pay as you throw" rubbish scheme considered by Labour which penalised households

But Mr Pickles did back a scheme piloted by Windsor and Maidenhead borough council where families are rewarded with shopping and restaurant vouchers the more they recycle.

Under the scheme household bins, fitted with microchips, are weighed when they are collected. Those who put out more recyclable waste build up points throughout the year which can be exchanged for vouchers for local shops worth up to £130.

Yesterday Windsor and Maidenhead rolled out the scheme for 60,000 households in the borough but local government chiefs warned against any nationwide programme.

Gary Porter, chairman of the Environmental Board for the Local Government Association said councils should be able to choose which scheme to implement.

He told the Times that the plan would be much more difficult to implement in blocks of flats where householders are often encouraged to tip their recyclable waste into one or two big bins. "It will be interesting to see how Windsor and Maidenhead pan out but I certainly don't favour a national scheme," said Mr Porter.

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