The environment minister has admitted the government is seriously considering a controversial plan to charge householders to have rubbish removed.

Michael Meacher told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the public would have to accept "a major change in the way we dispose of waste".

The charge, which could be as much as �1 a sack or �5 a month, would provide an economic incentive for people to restrict the amount of waste they create, said Mr Meacher.

But critics say people will just avoid the charges by dumping their rubbish in country lanes and isolated beauty spots.

The charge is being considered by Whitehall's performance and innovation unit (PIU) as part of a report on waste disposal it is due to present to Downing Street.

Details have not been worked out but it is thought that one or two sacks would be taken away for free but a charge would be made for extra sacks.

A charge seems the only way at the moment to encourage people to recycle.

Clare Oxborrow Friends of the Earth

Mr Meacher said it would help meet a European Union (EU) directive aimed at reducing the 1,400 landfill sites in the UK over the next eight years.

"Low income people are most hostile to charging - but it is used successfully in 12 other EU countries, the US, Canada and New Zealand."

Bills for rubbish could be coupled with improved recycling schemes, Mr Meacher suggested.

"According to a survey by the Environment Agency, 60% of households would support a charge if recycling and other alternative routes for waste are available."

Household waste is still growing by 3% a year.

�1 charges per bag could be introduced

Households in England and Wales produced 25m tonnes of waste in 2000/01.

But only 12% of household waste in England is recycled or composted, according to the government's own figures.

In stark contrast in Switzerland more than half of all household waste is recycled, while in Germany the figure is at least 48%.

Environmental charities have welcomed the proposals.

Friends of the Earth spokeswoman Clare Oxborrow told BBC News Online that it was shocking how far the UK was lagging behind its recycling targets.

She said a "carrot and stick" seemed to be needed to encourage recycling.

"A charge seems the only way at the moment to encourage people to recycle.

"But we want people to understand that recycling is to create a sustainable society."

But the idea received a cooler reception from shadow local government secretary Eric Pickles, who said it would "almost impossible" to manage.

"Yes we need to face up to the problem, and yes we need to encourage more recycling, but yet another new tax from this government of taxes won't solve anything and will hit those who can't afford to pay the most," he said.