The Paper Federation?s director of external affairs, Kathy Bradley, said that although the announcement was a step in the right direction, it was not the change it had expected.
Bradley said that although the cost increase was welcome, it would still leave landfill costs much lower than in European countries such as Germany, where it is 95 (E150) per tonne.

The UK?s 44.2% recovery rate for paper was one of the lowest in Europe, said Bradley, well below the European average of 55.4% and Germany?s 74.3%. The proposals for the landfill tax increase were unveiled as part of the chancellor?s pre-Budget statement on 27 November.

WRAP chief executive Jennie Price said the statement sent a clear message that the UK should prepare for change in the way it handles its waste. ?The time frame for the proposed increases gives industry a chance to gear up and improve its record on recycling,? she added.

Story Andy Scott