PLEASE may I reply to Michael Morton's letter dated November 22 in order to clarify the position with regard to fridge disposal.

From January, a European regulation on ozone-depleting substances will require all CFCs and HCFCs to be recovered from insulation foam in fridges before they are shredded.

Local authorities are set to receive up to £50 million from the Government next April to cover the cost of removing insulation foam from old fridges before shredding. Retailers operating take-back schemes could receive recycling credits from authorities to meet their storage costs.

In October, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs circulated a note to local authorities reassuring them that if they end up with large numbers of additional fridges, DEFRA will "urgently review the situation, including any increased financial burden." Government estimates that it will cost about £15-20 per fridge to recycle the foam.

Mr Morton warns that council tax may have to go up to cover costs of recycling, whilst I believe that the polluter should pay. I bought a fridge that cost extra because it doesn't contain any ozone-depleting chemicals and it is more energy-efficient. I agree with Mr Morton that changes should come about by education and consultation not coercion. This is what I have been attempting to do for the last 15 years working with Friends of the Earth as a volunteer.

But how much longer must we wait for the changes that are needed to protect the environment from the damage caused by humans? Enforced legislation can bring about instant benefits.

JEAN SAUNDERS

Longcot, Faringdon