Your story "Recycle or pay the cost" underestimates the recycling commitment of West Sussex residents.

As your article correctly states, in West Sussex we have consistently achieved higher recycling rates than the national average. These rates are continuing to grow.

Currently, West Sussex residents recycle 30 per cent, well above the national average. I would like to thank them all for their efforts. What cannot be denied, however, is the overriding theme of your story.

It is, indeed, vital we recycle and also take part in waste prevention activities, such as home composting, acquiring food-waste digesters or using cotton nappies. It is vital because, as you quite rightly point out, county councils face stiff financial penalties if they rely heavily on landfill to dispose of waste.

But even as we explore new technologies as alternatives to landfill, costs will continue to rise.

Recycling and prevention are much cheaper and more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

-Frank Wilkinson, cabinet member for strategic planning, West Sussex County Council