Controversial "pay-as-you-throw" penalties have been rubbished by Watford Borough Council this week, with a leading councillor saying they would be "unworkable".

Following a front page story in last week's Watford Observer, which revealed the council could investigate the possibly of fining people who do not recycle, the council has this week moved to calm residents.

Following the publication of the story last Friday, the council's switchboard was inundated with calls from angry residents demanding to know what its policy on pay-as-you-throw was.

However, Derek Scudder, deputy mayor and portfolio holder for environmental services, has said council members had talked about the matter, "as they discuss everything", and discarded it.

He says such a scheme would be unworkable, too complicated and would cost the council more to run than itwould get back in fines.

He added that providing cash incentives for recycling would not work either.

However, Councillor Scudder has once again urged residents to support the borough's recycling scheme and warned they will shortly feel the effects in their council tax bill if they refuse to recycle.

He added that the Government's landfill allowance for the borough is continuing to shrink and in three years time every tonne of landfilled rubbish above that allowance will cost the council £150.

He said: "Whatever you think about climate change or whether it is in your financial interests to recycle ultimately it will come back to you in Council Tax.

"The fines will have to be paid for by somebody and ultimately it will be us."

Currently local councils do not have the power to introduce pay-as-you-throw penalties.

However, the Government is keen to investigate the idea and five pilot scheme are due to begin across the country.

Councillor Scudder said the council would continue to encourage residents to recycle, while county-wide plans on waste refuse are being drawn up.

Hertfordshire County Council is currently consulting on where to build a series of sophisticated incinerators and waste treatment facilities across the county. And among the 49 sites shortlisted are several across south west Hertfordshire. However, it is highly unlikely one would be built in Watford.

County Councillor Derrick Ashley, executive member for planning, said: "Soon landfill will not be an option and we've got some important decisions to make about what happens to Hertfordshire's waste.

"The government is keen for us to deal with our waste closer to home and one difficult decision ahead of us includes potential locations for waste treatment facilities."

n The consultation documents are available on the county council's website at www.hertsdirect.org/wasteplanningconsultation. Responses to the consultation should be made by 5pm on March 10.