UK warned of microchip bins

Ian Morgan

Unsuspecting homeowners could have their rubbish “spied” on by microchips fitted to household bins, the Tories claimed today.

The accusation came ahead of expected Government proposals to introduce financial incentives encouraging recycling and a consultation on “save-as-you-throw” schemes.

Environment Secretary David Miliband is also set to put forward plans to collect household food waste separately every week, to be used to generate renewable energy.

But the Conservatives fear microchips could lead to an unfair stealth tax after a Freedom of Information request showed one in seven household bins in town halls were fitted with the device.

Eric Pickles MP, Shadow Minister for Local Government, said: “We face the prospect of bin chips quietly being fitted in bins across the country to spy on families without their knowledge.

“I fear now that Labour Ministers are forcing town halls into levying new bin taxes, without public consent.”

The Local Government Association (LGA) said if the Government plans were introduced, councils must ensure there was public support, no overall increase in council tax and the adoption of tough measures to tackle any increase in fly-tipping.

Already, as many as four in 10 councils run fortnightly or alternate-week rubbish collections, in which non-recyclable waste is collected one week and recyclables the next.

Figures show these councils have a 30% higher rate of recycling than those which haven’t introduced the measures.

But they have sparked opposition from those who believe the move encourages vermin, unpleasant smells and fly-tipping.

The long-awaited English Waste Strategy, published today, is the first major environmental strategy by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) since Mr Miliband became Secretary of State.

He will outline how England will deal with waste up until at least 2020 and guide local authorities on how to manage it.

The strategy is being driven by the need to ensure that England reaches targets set by the EU for reducing the amount of biodegradable waste sent to landfill, as part of the battle against climate change.

The amount of waste generated by households in the UK is rising, but the amount being recycled must rise to 40% - from its current level of 27% - to meet the EU targets.

Media reports this week have predicted that “slop buckets” will be introduced as part of Mr Miliband’s new plans and councils could be given power to introduce schemes that reward households for behaving in a “green” fashion.

Friends of the Earth also said the Government is expected to “strongly encourage local authorities to collect food waste separately every week, so that it can be treated to produce a bio-gas”.

This gas would be converted from food waste in “anaerobic digesters” and then used to produce 100% renewable heat and electricity.

But the campaign group said it expected further consultation on the idea of a financial incentive scheme for recycling after the strategy is published.

According to an LGA survey, two out of three people would back a “save-as-you-throw” scheme.

But Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, chairman of the LGA, said: “If the Government introduces proposals for waste charging it must not insist on a national scheme, but each individual council working with its residents should be able to decide whether to introduce a scheme or not.

“Councils, working on the ground with local people, have the knowledge and expertise to decide how best to encourage residents to understand the consequence of throwing away more each year and to take more responsibility for their rubbish.”

He added: “Britain is the dustbin of Europe with more rubbish being thrown into landfill than any other country on the continent.

“For decades people have been used to being able to throw their rubbish away without worrying about environmental consequences or rising costs. Those days are now over.”

Friends of the Earth’s waste campaigner, Dr Michael Warhurst, said: “The England Waste Strategy will be a real test of David Miliband’s environmental credentials.

“Sending waste to incineration or landfill is a waste of valuable resources and contributes to climate change.

“If Mr Miliband is serious about tackling climate change he must introduce a strategy that promotes reuse, recycling and composting of waste and discourages landfill and incineration.”

Dr Warhurst dismissed alarm about a microchip system for monitoring waste, saying: “It’s just the same as having a number on your bin, only faster”.

Copyright Press Association 2007

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