England is recycling more than ever, reports Defra, but both the government and green organisations say we are still not doing enough.

Recycling of household waste such as newspapers, compost, glass, plastic and tin cans is at its highest ever level, said the government yesterday. Annual figures for England published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) show that the government's target of recycling 17 per cent of household waste by this year will be met.

Now the government has set a more ambitious national target of recycling and composting 25 per cent of total household waste for 2005/6. Defra will provide £265m to help local authorities reach the new target.

However, Environment Minister Elliot Morley warned that despite today's figures, some councils are not doing enough. Some had not met the national minimum target of 10 per cent.

"Defra can help local authorities improve and wants to work together with less-strong performers to achieve better results," Elliot Morley said.

"But those who do not show a commitment to improve their recycling levels risk intervention by the Government to make it happen," he warned.

Green campaigners disagree that the targets for this year will be met and say the more ambitious target of 25% will not be met without substantial improvements from some 90 councils.

Friends of the Earth's Waste Campaigner, Georgina Bloomfield said: "The government is running out of time to reach their own unambitious recycling targets."

"Local authorities desperately need more funding to reach the Government's targets. And the Government must make it clear that local authorities who consistently fail to improve their recycling rates will be penalised."

Some green tips for recycling from FoE:

• Use your kerbside recycling scheme, if you have one, as provided for under the new Household Waste Recycling Act.
• Use civic amenity sites for materials not collected in your doorstep service. You can find out where your nearest collection point is for a wide range of materials at Waste Connect, see www.wastepoint.co.uk
• Home compost your garden and kitchen waste - most councils now offer advice and free or subsidised bins.
• Avoid over-packaged goods - buy loose fruit and vegetables where possible.
• Avoid disposable batteries - use rechargeable ones with solar powered rechargers.
• Buy cotton cloths for the kitchen clean-up instead of disposable kitchen roll.
• Buy refills for sturdy packs of washing powders, liquids, salt, etc.
• Use a milk delivery service - the glass bottle kind - if there's one in your area.
• Repair your electrical appliances and buy reconditioned goods from organisations such as CREATE (London, tel: 0208 885 6209; Liverpool tel: 0151 448 1748).
• Take old clothes to your local charity shop or recycle clothes that cannot be worn again in a clothing bank.