On Friday 14th March the debate on the Doorstep Recycling Bill took place in Parliament. The Bill calls for 50% recycling of household waste by 2010 - a marked increase on the current government target of 30% by the same date.
Joan Ruddock MP, sponsoring the Bill, began the debate with an inspiring speech on the merits of providing universal doorstep recycling.
There is a huge spectrum of activity already amongst local authorities, some doing virtually nothing and some doing a great deal.. What we aim for is that there should be a service for every household if the Bill were to be successful, by 2010....It can be done, it should be done and it is being done in other places.
Joan Ruddock MP
Jonathan Sayeed MP, Conservative environment spokesperson, said the Government had been "painfully slow'' in matching the public desire for recycling. "What's been lacking is the regulatory framework which provides incentives for industry and households to stimulate the much-needed market for recyclers.''
During the debate, around 40 MPs voiced their support for the Bill, with many MPs remarking how popular the issue was in their own constituencies.
Michael Meacher MP, Environment Minister, speaking on behalf of central government, said "We strongly agree that giving as many householders as possible an opportunity to participate in recycling is crucial''. However, he was keen to point out that "there will be a need for a number of amendments in committee if it is to secure Government support.''
The Bill was given a second reading without a vote and now goes to committee stage for detailed discussion.
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