Sir, It seems to me that when it comes to recycling, councils have missed a key point. Reducing the amount of waste we can dispose of and, therefore, encouraging recycling seems a perfect solution.

However, a major contribution to the waste produced in a household is from packaging, the majority of which is non-recyclable. A more sensible approach might be to target the shops or companies who produce excess packaging for the householder. The companies producing packaging should ensure that it is recyclable. If the amount of waste permitted to go to landfill is limited, and recycling is not chosen as a waste disposal method, then increased fly-tipping may result, damaging the environment further.

This reduction in refuse collection will also penalise larger households, so perhaps the allowed amount of waste should be proportional to the number of inhabitants.

Rachael Bartholomew Faringdon Road Abingdon