The Private Member's Bill was introduced into Parliament by Joan Ruddock and calls for every English council to provide kerbside recycling collections for two materials from every doorstep by 2010.
The Bill received Royal Assent today, turning into the Household Waste Recycling Act 2003. The new legislation will mean the Secretary of State will have to report to Parliament on progress towards meeting the requirement by the end of October 2004.
Commenting on the new Act, Environment minister Elliot Morley said: “I am delighted that this Bill has become law and commend Joan Ruddock for all her hard work in achieving this. This government is committed to reducing the amount of waste going to landfill and I believe this Bill is an important contribution in achieving that. The more people take part in recycling the more they will help the country achieve its challenging recycling goals. Doorstep collection makes it easier for everyone to join in recycling. ”
The government's support for the Bill came at the expense of a 50% recycling rate target for 2010, which was originally sought in the first stages of the Bill.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs will now prepare guidance for local authorities on satisfying the demands of the Act and is to consult on the guidance in early 2004.
For more information about the Household Waste Recycling Bill, see the letsrecycle.com legislation section.
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