I wish to respond to MJ Mills (Letters, October 2) on why the council charges for green refuse sacks.

The council first introduced a charge for green sacks to take garden waste from people's homes to landfill in 1991. This was to cover the additional costs of collection and disposal. All rubbish collected from homes in Swindon is dumped into landfill either at Shaw or at Blunsdon. For every item of waste deposited into landfill, the council is charged an environmental tax by the Government.

Swindon Council therefore took the decision to pass these costs back to the customer when they deposit garden waste in green council sacks for the weekly collection. Residents who have cars may opt to take their garden waste to the Barnfield Road Household waste recycling centre, where there is no charge. It is estimated that each household generates one tonne of waste a year, of which around 30 per cent may be compostable.

The Liberal Democrats last year introduced a scheme to the council to encourage people to compost their garden waste at home in their gardens.

Five thousand compost bins were purchased and offered free to residents.

Most of these bins have been collected, but I understand there are a few hundred left. If any Swindon resident would like a free composting bin, please contact the council on 464536.

Councillor Judith Peppitt

Lib Dem, Freshbrook & Grange Park