Do you use the Council's blue recycling bags? Do you know where they end up?

8.59.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 6th Aug 2007

Stuart packs his bags for a trip to Hong Kong - sadly it's the bags going, and not him

Residents living in flats in Westminster who use the Council's bright blue plastic bags to recycle their waste may be surprised to learn that, after use, the bags themselves are shipped off to Germany and Hong Kong for reprocessing.

This was revealed in answer to a request from Liberal Democrat Stuart Bonar under the Freedom of Information Act.

Stuart, who himself recycles using the bags, was taken aback by the news. Commenting, he said, "I was curious about what happens to the bags, so I asked the question. I never realised that after I left the bag on my doorstep it ends up having such an adventure!

"I am pleased, I suppose, that the plastic itself is at least recycled and not wasted, but to send it in some cases to the Far East for reprocessing seems crazy.

"One hears talk of 'food miles', maybe we need to start thinking about 'rubbish miles'! How can it be environmentally sensible or sustainable?"

He continued, "I will of course continue to recycling what I can. We have no choice. It's an absolute necessity for all of us. I just hope that the Conservative-run administration finds a better solution than this."

If you live in Westminster and want more information about recycling, you can call the Recycling Team on 020 7641 2000.