THE collection of paper for recycling has turned into a lottery on the streets of Bromley.

Angry residents have bombarded Bromley Council, which contracts out its waste collection service to the firm Cory, with complaints paper has not been collected.

As paper collection for recycling is not part of the firm's contract, no action can be taken against Cory for the mayhem.

A council spokesman said: "We have a real difficulty with paper collection in Bromley, as lots of houses and streets are being missed."

Yvonne Anderson, of Gumping Road, in Orpington, said: "I was told if they come it is a bonus, but otherwise to put the paper out with the ordinary rubbish."

The 60-year-old added: "I will be disappointed if I have to chuck paper into the rubbish bins for the tip, as I try to be environmentally friendly."

Friends of the Earth (FOE) has slammed the council's current attitude to paper recycling.

FOE spokesman Neil Verlander said: "It is better for the environment if materials are reused or recycled rather than buried or burnt in incinerators.

"People would be understandably upset if, once they have gone to the trouble of putting their paper out for recycling, they simply end up throwing it away.

"The council should get its act together and provide residents with a comprehensive recycling which system so many of its residents want."

The council switches from Cory to the French firm Onyx for waste collections on November 5.

The new firm must collect paper for recycling as part of its 14-year contract.

September 26, 2001 9:55