People in Lichfield, Staffordshire recycle more of their rubbish than anyone else in England - in total 46%.

This outstanding performance ranks against a much poorer performance for the UK overall. But even so, England is recycling more household waste than ever before, new figures reveal.

Margaret Beckett, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, confirmed today that local authority targets for recycling and composting were met in 2003/4.

Residents in Fylde Borough Council, Lancashire, made the biggest step change. Nearly 30% of their household waste was recycled or composted, 19% more than in 2002/03.

Mrs Beckett said, "While there is still a lot of work to do to raise levels of recycling even higher, this is a strong indication that the nation is adjusting to more sustainable waste practices."

However, Mrs Beckett warned that poor performing councils will face action, as single figure recycling rates are 'no longer acceptable'.

In England and Wales industry, commerce and households produce over 100 million tonnes of waste each year. This is growing at around 3% each year. While waste cannot be eliminated, we can reduce its environmental impact by preventing waste wherever possible, and making more sustainable use of the waste that is produced.

Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to set more ambitious recycling targets for 2010 (currently 30%), and 2015 (currently 33%).

Friends of the Earth's recycling campaigner Georgina Bloomfield said, "We are delighted that many local councils have improved their recycling. But this country still languishes a long way behind many of our European neighbours. The Government must set more ambitious recycling targets. We should be recycling at least 50% of our rubbish by 2010, an achievable target that would give us a recycling record to be proud of."