STRICT new government targets for waste management could see council tax bills soar for all York residents, as city leaders struggle to meet targets.

New legislation is expected to tighten the way rubbish is handled and disposed of by local authorities across the UK as part of a drive to reduce landfill.

York produces nearly 100,000 tonnes of household waste every year and in 2003/04, 15.4 per cent of this was recycled or composted.

But city chiefs have been told new European laws and government targets will soon further limit the amounts of household and commercial waste that can be put in landfill.

If the council fails to meet these targets, it will be fined £200 for every tonne of waste over and above its allowances that goes into the ground.

Furthermore, the tax levied on waste sent to landfill is set to rise to £35 per tonne by 2011, which is significantly more than the current rate of £15 per tonne.

Residents in the city are being asked to make thier voices known by completing an online questionnaire.

The survey on the City of York Council website looks at how the amount of waste is rising by two to three per cent each year and the options open to the authority.

City of York Council is now working to meet a short-term recycling target of 18 per cent by March 2006 by increasing the number of doorstep collections and raising awareness.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: "These changes are likely to have a major impact on spending by the council and will, therefore, impact upon council tax bills, so it's important that as many people as possible take the opportunity to have their say."

She added: "City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council work together as the York and North Yorkshire Waste Management Partnership to provide high-quality, co-ordinated and cost-effective waste services."

To take part in the survey go to www.york.gov.uk and click on the link. lternatively you can request a copy of the questionnaire by phoning 01904 551551 or emailing recycling.team@york.gov.uk The closing date is September 25.

Updated: 08:18 Tuesday, September 14, 2004