The Essex Chronicle and the Brentwood Gazette have launched joint War on Waste campaigns after the UK came bottom of the European league in recycling rates.

They are hoping to highlight the growing problems of waste disposal in Essex and promote the vital need to recycle rubbish.

The UK currently buries 78 per cent of its rubbish in landfill sites but by 2020 European law will restrict this figure to eighteen per cent.

Local authorities across Essex have united to develop a strategy for the next 25 years, which will meet new targets laid down by Government and European directives.

Their proposals include reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill sites and using mechanical biological treatment – MBT, but this means the cost of waste disposal might increase by as much as sixty-three per cent.

The newspapers are highlighting ways that individuals can help reduce, recycle and re-use their waste.

The Gazette suggested recycling mobile phones through the Campaign to Recycle Unwanted Mobile Phones, set up by Child Advocacy International, which raises funds for helping children worldwide.

Chronicle editor Stuart Rawlins said, “The Chronicle will be monitoring just how we sort out rubbish and what needs or can be undertaken by individuals and organisations to achieve a greater degree of recycling.”

Both papers have devoted considerable space to their initiative – the Gazette boasting a double-page spread full of advice and opinion, and the Chronicle launching its campaign with a full-page story and comment column.

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