Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Farron calls on Government to help South Lakeland families step up recycling

March 26, 2010 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrat Environment Spokesperson and local MP Tim Farron used yesterday's final DEFRA Oral Question session of the current parliament to call on the Government to help families in South Lakeland step up their recycling by investing in anaerobic digestion.

Figures uncovered by Mr Farron revealed that the average household throws away between 480-680 worth of food every year. If used to generate biogas through anaerobic digestion, this would generate enough electricity to power over 2million homes.

Speaking yesterday in the House of Commons, Mr Farron accused the Government of falling behind European neighbours such as Germany, who currently have 2,500 anaerobic digesters compared to just 38 in the UK.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"In just one year, UK households throw away enough household waste to power a town the size of Kendal for the next 65 years.

"Not only is this incredibly wasteful, but it's also counterproductive as a lot of this waste could be converted into renewable energy through technology such as anaerobic digestion.

"Yet despite the incredible potential of this technology, the Government have consistently lagged behind its European counterparts who for years have been investing in A.D and are now reaping the benefits.

"If this Government is serious about reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill then they must start investing more in anaerobic digestion."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    timfarron.co.uk/en/article/2010/105779/farron-calls-on-government-to-help-south-lakeland-families-step-up-recycling
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    tf.lib.dm/a94zk

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image