Is it any surprise that we find Croydon residents only recycled 14 per cent of their waste in the past year, against a target of 28 per cent?

Many areas of North Croydon are still awaiting green kerbside collection boxes and existing recycling points are proving to be rubbish'.

Croydon Council needs to take the lead in London by adopting a zero waste strategy.

Myths exist regarding the financial viability of recycling.

In the UK it costs £30-£50 to landfill a tonne of mixed waste, £90-£190 to incinerate a tonne of mixed waste, and just £19-£30 to compost kitchen waste.

A typical energy-from-waste incinerator will generate £30million in its 25-year life span but paper recyclers can easily generate £2billion in that time. In addition, a zero waste strategy will reduce the health risks associated with incinerators, lessen CO2 emissions and protect the countryside by cutting the need for more landfill sites.

Councillor Gerry Ryan predicts that the 28 per cent target will be achieved in 2005.

Nevertheless, the council needs to improve its performance considerably because the Government will soon fine councils for every tonne they are over the limit.

Shasha Khan
Croydon Green Party
Windmill Road
Croydon