A study for the Yorkshire and Humber regional assembly has revealed that some councils are saving money and recycling more.

However, the consultants also found that cash constraints, little public awareness and too few recycling facilities were hindering progress.

Less is going to landfill in all but three council areas, the report found.

Lower costs

The study found five councils - Ryedale, Craven, Hambleton, Leeds and North Lincolnshire - were recycling more than 10% of household waste.

York's costs, at �21 per head per year, were considerably lower than elsewhere, while Calderdale, East Riding and Sheffield councils were still paying more than �40.

North East Lincolnshire was paying most - �48.59 per person per year.

Yorkshire and Humber assembly chair Peter Box said: "A great deal of work has gone into tackling waste, but the question of having to deal with the environmental impact of where the rubbish actually goes remains with us."

All but three local authorities are on track to achieve 2005-06 government targets for recycling, composting and reducing landfill use.

The study was produced by consultants Save Waste and Prosper.