I AM writing in the wake of so many recent letters and articles in which countless individuals constantly slam the council for refuse collections and waste policy.

In the light of immense pressure and scrutiny from national and EU Government, in which recycling targets of around 35 per cent must be reached by 2010, the council must encourage residents to reduce non-recyclable waste.

The alternate week collection is an example. If residents make a commitment to recycle properly, they should have no problem.

Alternate weekly collections have been successfully implemented in boroughs the width and breadth of the country. There is no reason why Blackburn and Darwen should be different.

The stark truth is that each year landfill tax increases by £3 for every tonne.

At the current rate of landfilling in the borough this will add significantly to overall costs and as the limits decrease for allowable landfill, penalties will be imposed for those that go over.

By 2008 we are looking at an extra £1million in penalties.

To therefore suggest that the council's waste and recycling operations are some sort of money-making scheme is incredibly naive.

Recycling is more expensive than landfilling, but local authorities have no option but to comply due to pressure from Government and the fact that landfill is not environmentally sustainable or friendly.

If residents don't reduce and recycle more, it is their pockets and the council tax which will suffer the consequences.

I believe the council should be commended for implementing the scheme it has and for enforcing it. It is a pity more people cannot see beyond their own backyard to the wider issues.

HELEN GRIMSHAW, Blackburn (via email).