European Commission officials have stepped up legal moves, condemning plans for the control of hazardous and packaging waste across the country as unsatisfactory.

A spokesman said that of 160 local waste management schemes, only eight fully conform with all the requirements of the EU's Framework Waste Directive.

Many lacked necessary information and only one plan tackled obligations under the Packaging Waste Directive.

'Government failure'

Officials sent a "reasoned opinion" to London - a prelude to court proceedings.

They also complained of a government failure to inform Eurocrats of proposals.

But the government insisted it was in the process of meeting all EC requirements, with a series of strategies either under review or about to be adopted.

A spokesman said EU needs are met in England and Wales under the existing waste strategy "Making Waste Work". In Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency is about to publish a new draft strategy, and in Northern Ireland, a consultation process is under way on a draft strategy published in June.

In addition, he said, arrangements are in hand to notify the Commission of country development plans.