Essex is facing a mounting waste crisis that can no longer be ignored - according to local councils.

Today, Councillor Kay Twitchen, Chairman of the Joint Authority Waste Board, unveiled a new awareness campaign at Roxwell landfill site in order to tackle Essex's waste problem head on.

Each month Essex residents generate over 70,000 tonnes of waste, nearly 80% of which ends up in the dustbin destined for landfill sites.

Although Essex is doing a lot better than the national recycling average, at this rate, within 10 years, landfill sites in Essex could be filled to capacity.

Published Friday January 30, 2003