SIR - Currently we are being harangued by central and local government about the way we recycle household waste. It is a conditioning process, leading to the further introduction of twin pillars of English bureaucracy: more control, more taxation.

Wheelie-bin inspectors, micro-chipped bins, on board computerised weighing machines, secure containers, individual billing and collection and threat of prosecution - the usual over-the-top response.

In Ontario, Canada, where my daughter and family live recycling is 60 per cent, plastic is coded 1-7 for efficient sorting and recyclable material is put into two returnable boxes.

Residents are allowed free collection of two 20 kg (45lbs) of rubbish and up to two more which must have a dollar (£1) tag, bought from a local outlet attached. No tag, no collection.

One man drives and loads a collection vehicle similar to ours.

Do we have to have all this explosive hi-tech system when there is a similar and cheaper way?

R J Lacey, Wrose Road, Bradford