-------------------------------------------------
Recycling facts and figures
UK households produced 30.5 million tonnes of waste in 2003/04, of which 17% was collected for recycling (source: defra.gov.uk). This figure is still quite low compared to some of our neighbouring EU countries, some recycling over 50% of their waste. There is still a great deal of waste which could be recycled that ends up in landfill sites which is harmful to the environment.
Recycling is an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment. Did you know that: * 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours. * 1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes. * 1 …ver más…

* Huge amounts of energy are used when making products from raw materials. Recycling requires much less energy and therefore helps to preserve natural resources. Importance To People
Recycling is essential to cities around the world and to the people living in them. * No space for waste. Our landfill sites are filling up fast, by 2010, almost all landfills in the UK will be full. * Reduce financial expenditure in the economy. Making products from raw materials costs much more than if they were made from recycled products. * Preserve natural resources for future generations. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials; it also uses less energy, therefore preserving natural resources for the future.
-------------------------------------------------
Waste and recyling targets
The need to recycle has been recognised by the government and environment agencies who have set a number of realistic targets over the approaching years. District councils aim to achieve these recycling targets with the aid of government funding.
Government Targets
The Landfill Directive states targets for reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill sites in the UK. The targets are: * By 2010, the waste sent to landfills should be 75% of that sent in 1995 * By 2013, the waste sent to landfills should be 50% of that sent in 1995 * By 2015, the waste sent to landfills should be 35% of that sent in 1995
In order to achieve this