I HAVE read with interest recent letters about recycling in York and I feel the time is right to present an industry perspective.

The Foss Islands civic amenity site is too small to handle more than 15,000 tonnes a year, most of which arrives on a weekend between April and October (up to 2,000 cars on a busy Sunday).

It is not a purpose-built facility and is on a small area of land, upon which the site managers recycle as much waste as they possibly can. Sometimes they are faced with impatient drivers with short fuses.

Most people will be aware that there is little demand for paper, cardboard, plastic and glass. However, Yorwaste is committed to working closely with the City of York Council to recycle as much as is reasonably possible. We also need the public's help.

While there is plenty of room for improvement, York's recycling figures are better than many other council areas across the country. To make any substantial improvements towards meeting Government targets, and our own ambitions, will require new facilities.

Our proposal for an integrated waste management facility for Harewood Whin incorporates state-of-the-art recycling and composting facilities that will have an immediate impact. For those with a real interest I would ask you to read our application and enter the debate on an informed basis.

S A Grieve,

Managing Director,

Yorwaste Ltd,

Standard Way, Northallerton.

...POWER to Mrs Umpelby's pen.(Letters, September 25) It is high time someone stood up to these Protesters Rallying Against The Tip Site (PRATTS).

I have lived in Rufforth for more than 52 years and can endorse Mrs Umpleby's statement that a tip has always been on Rufforth aerodrome at Harewood Whin.

We also realise that the RATS (Rufforth Against Tip Secrecy) provided the bottom rung of the ladder in politics for the gentleman from Rufforth who is now an MP, Phil Willis.

Sorry Mr Warn, lightning does not strike twice in the same place.

We country bumpkins are older and wiser and financially poorer now because of increased parish rates.

Yorwaste has been very generous to this village and I too say good luck to Harrogate Borough Council who first brought the waste disposal to Rufforth. Yorwaste has only improved it and managed it more efficiently.

Mrs C P Hogarth,

Bradley Crescent, Rufforth.