We're working hard to address recycling issues

AS your article (Recycling system to be overhauled, H&H December 4) points out, the introduction of separate paper and cardboard collections could be a more environmentally friendly solution than our current co-mingled recycling collections. In the New Ye

AS your article (Recycling system to be overhauled, H&H December 4) points out, the introduction of separate paper and cardboard collections could be a more environmentally friendly solution than our current co-mingled recycling collections.

In the New Year the Camden Council Executive will be making two important decisions on how we collect recyclables in the borough. These are the introduction of a borough-wide organic food and garden waste collection service and the option of separate kerbside paper and card collections.

There is still a lot to consider around these options - for example these changes would mean the need to procure a new fleet of vehicles and the associated costs that would go along with this. If agreed the earliest start date for this service would be April 2010.

While this work is taking place I encourage residents to continue to help us and the environment by continuing to recycle as much as they do now. Co-mingled collection remains a better option than sending items to landfill with its major environmental and financial costs.

We all know our landfill sites are quickly running out of space and it's critical we aren't dumping anything that could be recycled or reused.

Camden Council has a continued commitment to find new and better ways to tackle the huge challenge we face in managing Camden's waste. It's essential that this is done in a more sustainable way that causes least damage to the environment.

It's so important that we all continue to play our part - reducing what we throw away, reusing what we can and recycling wherever possible - because recycling is worth it and it makes a big difference.

Cllr Keith Moffitt

Leader Camden Council