Recycling schemes get funding rise

Local councils will be able to bid for a share of a new £135m fund for sustainable waste management schemes like recycling and composting.

Environment Minister Elliot Morley, who announced the funding, said:

"How the country deals with its waste is becoming one of the most significant social, economic and environmental issues facing society today."

The government will make £90m available in 2004/05 and £45m the following year. Councils will get details of how to bid for grants this autumn.

Mr Morley said the new grant will give local authorities more flexibility on how to achieve the good practice currently emerging from local projects.

The Waste Minimisation and Recycling Fund was launched in 2001 and has since distributed £140m to help councils improve waste management and increase recycling.