Rubbish charges 'accepted by 77%'

Households favour paying for how much rubbish they produce

Nearly two-thirds of people would be prepared to pay according to how much rubbish they generated, says a survey.

More than 1,700 people were polled by the Local Government Association and 77% favoured compulsory recycling.

Those surveyed were asked if they would prefer a system which charged less council tax but householders paid for how much rubbish they left behind.

But opinion was divided on whether to fine those who refused to comply with a system of compulsory recycling.

Last month Sir Michael Lyons, who is conducting an inquiry into the future of council tax, said he was looking at environmental taxes.

These would be paid in addition to council tax to make the cost of services more visible.

The plan raised the prospect of waste being weighed by refuse collectors.