I UNDERSTAND the necessity of reducing waste but cannot believe the half-baked system the council is to introduce. I know of other local authorities who have much better systems including recycling plastic and cardboard.

Much of our waste consists of plastic and cardboard, but these items are not covered in the fortnightly collection so have to be included in the normal household refuse bin.

I contacted York Pride for advice. I pointed out that even though we take care we still find our household bin needs emptying every week and I wanted to know what to do with the excess rubbish when they go to two-weekly collections.

I was told that if, in October when the new system comes into force, we are still having difficulties, someone could be sent out to advise us about our rubbish. I find this insulting and patronising. We don't need someone to tell us how to filter our rubbish.

I was informed that I could take plastic to Tescos, Clifton Moor, where there is a facility for collecting the stuff. What astonished me was the fact that one of the reasons glass is recycled and not plastic that it is heavier and the Government targets go on weight not bulk. I compost most of my garden rubbish so there would be very little left to go into the green bin. I asked if a lid could be provided for the plastic box to keep vermin away from the empty tins and bottles but they are unable to even do that.

G Alderson,

Maple Grove, York.

Updated: 09:45 Friday, September 02, 2005