To pick Britain up from the bottom of the recycling pile a new waste strategy has been proposed by a Government think tank.

A Government report called Zero Waste UK has argued pay-as-you-throw is the best way to meet recycling targets and move towards being a waste-less nation.

The report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) and Green Alliance found the UK is at the bottom of Europe's table for nations which recycle, along with Greece and Portugal.

England has only just met the 2005 household waste recycling target of 25 per cent originally set in 2000. The report shows the worst three local authorities in England for recycling are Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Liverpool.

Zero Waste UK highlights system examples from countries such as Germany where some areas charge around 18p per kilo for waste not recycled.

This charge has boosted the collection of recyclable materials to more than 65 per cent.

To ensure any new scheme is fair, the report has recommended local authorities remove the rubbish collection fee from council tax.

Nick Pearce, director of ippr, said: "The UK is bottom of the heap in Europe when it comes to recycling. The Government should give local authorities powers to charge for collecting non-recyclable waste.

"Our European neighbours have shown where charges are common recycling rates will rise.

"But to make sure any new charging scheme for rubbish collection is fair, it needs be accompanied by a reduction in council tax and an improvement in recycling facilities."

Green Alliance associate Julie Hill said: "There are few better routes to higher recycling than through giving householders financial incentives.

"They are a proven, positive and logical way of changing our throwaway society."

Visit green-alliance.org.uk

Readers' views

Comments about recycling charges from workers in Petts Wood:

Sarah Mehmet, Kyrenia Eating House:

It's all very well saying there will be charges if people don't recycle but an adequate service needs to be supplied first.

Businesses get no help and are not given the option to recycle. We've recently discussed this at a Petts Wood Business Association meeting. There are no options for us.

Jim Owen, Owen's:

I'm a big believer in recycling and actively do so at home in Gravesend but I'd like to see a system in place for businesses. We throw away an enormous volume of cardboard and paper in the workplace. We need something like the standard recycling bags supplied for homes. I'd like to see something more along those lines.

John Charsley, Queensway Autos and chairman of Petts Wood Business Association:

I recycle at home and would like to extend this into the workplace. Lots of waste comes from shops and businesses. There shouldn't be a charge for households before addressing the huge problem in businesses.

Angela Owen, Health Matters:

I think recycling is great and always do it at home. I have even got a compost bin. I definitely think pay as you throw would work.