Congratulations on your important story Moving rubbish mountains' (October 19).

The volume of rubbish must be reduced not only to save our council huge costs (the landfill tax is bound to rise) and residents rates but because of the adverse environmental impact. More reduction in waste and more regurgitation is urgently required.

We could have a civic initiative - the council should encourage a brainstorming meeting where many could put their ideas of how to reduce, and where sensible, recycle our waste.

Supermarkets and other retailers should follow Sainsbury's example by making small, charitable contributions for any re-used plastic shopping bags. Such a gesture would remind us to be economic with natural resources. The practice of popping almost every small purchase already encased in packaging into another bag should be resisted by shopkeepers and customers.

Many homes - even self contained houses - still do not recycle paper, tins and glass. A single bag holder might help as a tactful approach to those who have not joined in should be considered. One observes how sacks are unavoidably hurled into refuse vehicles. How many bags burst thereby frustrating the efforts of thoughtful residents?

The WBN could award a prize for the best suggestions.

MARTIN SIMONS, Granard Avenue, SW15

November 23, 2001 12:01