Lichfield has one of the best recycling records in England

The authority recycled or composted 46.35% of rubbish collected in 2004/5, followed by Stratford-on-Avon and Tamworth, which were in the low 30s.

The worst-performing council was Sandwell at 10.76%. Cannock Chase and Newcastle-under-Lyme came next.

The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said the UK has one of the worst recycling rates in Europe, with only Greece and Portugal worse.

THE MIDLANDS' TOP 5 RECYCLING COUNCILS Lichfield 46.35% Stratford-on-Avon 32.92% Tamworth 30.70% Bridgnorth 30.50% Staffordshire Moorlands 30.26%

IPPR and the Green Alliance compiled the figures as part of a report which will recommend that local authorities are given powers to charge a "pay-as-you-throw" fee for collecting un-recyclable rubbish.

Nick Pearce, director of IPPR, said: "Sandwell is bottom of the heap in the West Midlands when it comes to recycling.

"The government should give the region's local authorities powers to charge for collecting non-recyclable waste.

"Our European neighbours have shown that where charges are common place, recycling rates will rise.

THE MIDLANDS' WORST 5 RECYCLING COUNCILS Wychavon 15.07% Birmingham 14.94% Newcastle Under Lyme 11.61% Cannock Chase 10.79% Sandwell 10.76%

"But to make sure any new charging scheme for rubbish collection is fair, it needs be accompanied by a reduction in council tax and an improvement in recycling facilities."

Lichfield's performance was the 4th-best in England during 2004/5.

During the previous year, the UK as a whole recycled or composted only 18% of waste, the IPPR said.