IT seems a pity that Liberal Democrats are so desperate to attack the Green Party on the waste issue, when we both promote the case for a long-term policy of "zero waste" (Letters - Coun Vassie, September 15, and Coun Waller, September 19).

If you look at the Lib Dems' national policy, they advocate precisely this, through increased reuse, recycling and waste minimisation, with a target of 60 per cent recycling within seven years.

So why in York is the council supporting a 45 per cent target (by 2013) in the waste strategy approved for York and North Yorkshire, when they claim we are already at 36 per cent now?

The impact of kerbside recycling is commendable, but could still go further to serve terraced streets and the many flats now springing up in York.

Greens did support this extension of recycling, but argued that plastics and cardboard collection should have been included before an area went on to the fortnightly grey bin collection system.

Councillor Vassie attempts to defend energy from waste (incineration) while Lib Dem leader Steve Galloway responds to Green pressure by saying that there will not be an incinerator in York.

Given climate change, we have to cut waste drastically, not build plants that depend on it.

Already the council is spending money on consultants for this massive project that could otherwise be going into more waste minimisation.

Councillor Vassie attempts to confuse the issue by bringing in medical waste that is, and will continue to need to be, handled separately.

It is only because of Green Party efforts to publicise the possibility of an incinerator that there has been any public profile for the strategy and its implications for the environment and the future finances of this city.

Coun Andy D'Agorne, Green Party, Broadway West, York.