Press Release: Call on Sheffield MPs to Vote For New Recycling Law

Press Release

For immediate release: Tuesday 04 March 2003

Call on Sheffield MPs to Vote For New Recycling Law

Sheffield Friends of the Earth would like to congratulate Sheffield Hallam MP Richard Allan after he promised to vote for a new law to ensure that every household in England and Wales is provided with doorstep recycling.

Sheffield Friends of the Earth are today calling for other local MPs to follow Richard Allan’s example by voting in support of the Doorstep Recycling Bill (officially known as the Municipal Waste Recycling Bill), which faces its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday 14th March.

The Bill has already received the support of a majority of MPs, but Sheffield Friends of the Earth wants local MPs to vote as well to ensure better recycling facilities for the whole of Sheffield. The Bill, being taken forward by Joan Ruddock MP, will guarantee doorstep recycling for every household in England and Wales if it makes it into law. The second reading on Friday 14th March is the crucial next step. At least 100 MPs must vote in favour at the second reading for the Bill to be passed.

The UK currently has an appalling recycling record, recycling just 12 per cent of waste compared to some European neighbours who recycle and compost more than 50 per cent. The Bill would reduce the need for deeply unpopular landfill sites and incinerators, and could help Britain become one of the best recyclers in Europe. According to the latest figures Sheffield County Council recycles around 5 per cent.

Sheffield Friends of the Earth's Recycling Campaigner Shaun Rumbelow said:

"We hope that local MPs will follow Richard Allan’s example, and will turn up and vote for doorstep recycling for every home on Friday 14th March. This country has an appalling recycling record, and this new law would ensure that Britain's recycling facilities match the best in Europe. But it will only become law if enough MPs turn up and give their support."


ENDS

Notes:

[1] See the full list of MPs who have said they will vote for the Bill at

http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/waste/resource/doorstep_recycling.html

[2] Attached is a Microsoft Word document sent to Sheffield Friends of the Earth in support of the recycling Bill by Richard Allan MP.


Contacts: Dr Elizabeth Goyder

07791 223367 (mobile)

0114 222 0783 (day time)