RUBBISH collections could become a paid-for service if a new pay-as-you-throw scheme is introduced.

The idea, put forward by the Local Government Association, is a way for local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more.

The LGA has named the scheme "save as you throw" and claims that a tax on rubbish, such as this, would be fairer than including the cost of rubbish collections in Council Tax, as residents who throw out less waste, and recycle more, will pay less. Therefore, the people who are not recycling will be hit by the landfill waste collection tax.

It is one of many methods councils could use to improve their recycling rates and meet Government targets, which in turn must meet demands set by the European Union.

Compulsory Recycling is another option for local authorities that are striving to meet the recycled waste quota, while others may opt to collect rubbish and recyclables on alternative weeks in a bid to encourage households to produce less landfill waste.

A spokeswoman for the LGA said: "Introducing the save-as-you-throw scheme would require a change in law, but the LGA would like the Government to give councils the option to introduce such a system because we need to be recycling more rubbish than we are.

"We are recycling 27 per cent of waste at the moment, and we need to be recycling 40 per cent by 2010 to avoid waste from going into landfill.

"This will not be introduced by every council, it will be picked up by those who have very low recycling rates and are struggling to get people on board. Those who are really desperate may choose to adopt this way of doing it, but it should not be introduced unless the council has consulted with local people and got their support."

Redbridge is running a doorstep recycling awareness campaign, London Remade, with door-to-door consultations and events to discuss recycling.

If you have any queries, contact Redbridge Council's recycling team on 8708 5007.

l The Government set Statutory Recycling and Composting targets for every local authority l Redbridge was set a target of recycling and composting 21 per cent of its waste by 2005/06 l Redbridge reached a recycling rate of 17.4 per cent in 2005/06 l The borough is currently recycling 18.5 per cent for 2006/07 l The target remains at 21 per cent for 2007/08