London cut waste sent to landfill in 2005/06, research showed

The amount of waste in 2005/06 was down 3.6% compared to the previous years, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

London recycled 20.6% of its waste, according to the figures.

The city is now the third best performing region in the country in terms of waste recycling, said recycling advisor London Remade.

'Real improvements'

Two London authorities achieved the greatest reduction in waste generated per head per year, said London Remade.

The Western Riverside Waste Authority reduced waste by 4.3% and Westminster reduced its by 1.4%.

Daniel Silverstone, the chief executive of London Remade said: "Reducing the amount of waste arising is a key indicator to assess performance.

"London boroughs are improving their recycling collection systems and raising awareness to make it easy for residents to recycle their waste and reduce their rubbish. This demonstrates that real improvements are being made."

Last week, statistics showed London was taking the lead in city recycling.

London Councils research, gathered from the city's local authorities, showed nine of the country's top 10 urban recyclers were boroughs in London.