WASTE is simple -- We do not need microchip technology to manage it.

The solution lies in really good recycling schemes, which is what I would encourage all our local councils to do.

Instead, of investing money in bin wagons with scanners in to read microchipped wheelie bins, surely, it would make more sense to invest money in kerbside recycling for all.

We are way behindbeing our European counterparts on this and other towns within the UK have already implement kerbside recycling collections successfully -- for example, Milton Keynes.

I have found that people are all too ready to participate in recycling, providing it is made easy for them. We have seen that with the white sack collection of newspapers throughout Hyndburn.

Composting is another matter, but much of our kitchen waste can be composted. I realise that a lot of homes in our area have yards, as opposed to gardens and could, therefore, feel that composting need not apply to them.

But again councils can step in and provide community composting schemes by facilitating green bin collections to use at the local allotments.

A good supply of compost might even encourage more-home grown produce in our food chain instead of additive-laden, processed foods. Again, a local scheme like this was run by Earthling Community Composting in Burnley.

The biggest problem with recycling in general and in our area in particular, is plastics. If local councils were really keen to tackle the waste problem they would provide plastic recycling outlets in North East Lancashire. Plastics are one of the biggest 'culprits' of things going to landfills needlessly.

Recycling is habit forming. Once people are given the opportunity they willingly participate and it quickly becomes second nature. But recycling figures have to improve drastically, otherwise, the shadow of the incinerator looms large, for this would be the government's answer to our waste problems.

Toxic spewing incinerators are not good environmental choice but they are cheap and easy. Given the choice between a kerbside recycling box or an incinerator, I know which I would rather have on my doorstep.

IAN S DIXON, Grange Street, Clayton-Le-Moors.