Witham's ten recycling rebels have been warned they could become the first to be prosecuted and fined as council bosses get tough.

Braintree District Council said that recycling had proved hugely successful in general, but that ten residents still refused to separate their waste before collection.

Now the council has warned the ten that they could become the first to be brought to court under the Environmental Protection Act and face fines of up to £2,500.

Promotions officer Clare Neely said the vast majority of residents participated very well, but a small number were undermining the exceptional work achieved so far.

"They put out a large number of extra sacks with their grey bin on their collection day," she said.

"We have been working hard to encourage these residents to take part in the scheme, but unfortunately we have now had to warn them they face prosecution if they refuse to join in.

"We have had to take this action as we feel that the behaviour of a small number of residents undermines the exceptional work achieved in Witham."

Now the council is concentrating on encouraging people to start home composting, which they regard as the best way to dispose of organic waste. And they would like everyone to use real nappies rather than disposables, which are the largest single contributor to household waste.

Published Thursday, May 1, 2003

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