TAXPAYERS have been warned that they could have to pick up over £400 million in fines if they fail to tackle Britain's growing waste mountain.

Addressing the Local Government Association conference in Bournemouth on Wednesday, chairman Sir Sandy Bruce Lockhart, said: "For decades people have been used to being able to throw their rubbish away without worrying about the consequences. Those days are now over.

"The consequences of continuing with the disposable society' will leave us, and our children, having to pick up the pieces and the costs."

He warned that unless bold reforms are made, recycling rates will not rise fast enough to meet the EU Landfill Directive.

Local authorities will then face fines of up to £150 per tonne forcing another burden on the council taxpayer and the environment.

"Local authorities must be given the discretionary powers to help encourage people to take more responsibility for the way they throw their rubbish away," he added.

"Councils need to be given new powers to charge households directly for the waste they throw away.

"Only by offering this power to councils will it be possible to start meeting our duty to keep our green and pleasant land green and pleasant."

Bournemouth councillor John Hayter, portfolio holder for strategic development and transport, said: "Reducing waste disposed of at landfill sites is a top priority for us which is why we are currently undergoing a major change in waste collection here in the borough.

"As of September residents will be able to recycle glass, plastic bottles, paper, cans and cardboard at the kerbside using their existing bin, making recycling easier than ever before.

"I'm looking forward to the benefits the new scheme will bring and especially the reduction we will see of waste disposed at landfill sites."