A LABOUR environment boss has pleaded with his Tory opponents to help find out what local authorities are expected to do about future waste and recycling.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's Jim Smith has asked for the assistance of Conservative Party chairman Jake Berry on the issue.

He raised the problems at the borough's full Council Forum on Thursday night.

The borough's Tory group leader John Slater responded by promising to speak to the Rossendale and Darwen MP about the Environment Act 2021.

.Cllr Smith said: "I would just like to plead with the Tories here to maybe have a word with your MP.

"I am begging them to ask the government to get with their business instead of arguing with each other.

"Sort out the Environment Act. No council has a clue what to do.

"We need a lead in period. We need to know how many trucks to buy. We don't know they want.

"They hint that they might want food waste collected but they don't tell us.

"John, you like to say you are a good friend with Jake. Have a word with him and say 'Get your act together'.

"I mean it's a very poor do from my point of view. We've had the policy for over 12 months and we haven't got a clue what's to come.

"It is anticipated there will be additional burdens on councils regarding the quality and separation of recyclable items, that may require significant changes to the collection of waste and recycling. However, the government has to date not provided any specific details, despite some changes stated to be introduced from 2024.

"The lack of specific details will affect councils with regards to existing contracts for treatment and disposal of wastes which would need to be renegotiated, and the procurement of specialist vehicles and their extended lead time for delivery."

Cllr Slater said: "Jim, if you send me the details I'll be happy to sit down with Jake and go through it. If there is any assistance we can give you we will try."