Dismay as recycling law for NI 'binned'

Friends of the Earth has reacted with dismay to news that draft legislation to dramatically improve recycling will not include Northern Ireland.

The Household Waste Recycling Bill sponsored by Joan Ruddock MP calls for every home to be provided with doorstep recycling for at least two materials by 2010.

While the Bill has a good chance of becoming law thanks to support from MPs, councils, organisations, companies and individuals across the UK, the Government has decided not to include Northern Ireland or Wales.

In opposition to this decision, Labour Cardiff North MP Julie Morgan has tabled a parliamentary petition calling for Northern Ireland's inclusion, which has been signed by MPs including Roy Beggs, David Burnside, Lady Sylvia Hermon and Martin Smyth.

Commenting on the news, John Woods, Director (Northern Ireland) of Friends of the Earth, said: "We would very much like to see Northern Ireland included in the Bill and are calling on the Government to remedy this situation as soon as possible. It is important to allow everyone in Northern Ireland an equal

opportunity to recycle - the same opportunity afforded to those in England.”

While the Northern Ireland Assembly is suspended, Parliament is the only body that can require the services called for in the Bill in Northern Ireland. If passed, people in England would be provided with a household collection of recycling but those in either Wales or Northern Ireland would not be guaranteed a similar service.

Adequate funding for any demands made by the Bill has been promised by central Government, it would, if extended to Northern Ireland and Wales, offer local authorities a clear opportunity to reach recycling targets which they are currently a long way off meeting.

(MB)