The Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman has revealed plans for stricter packaging and recycling targets from 2013-2017 with the aim of stopping recyclable materials going to landfill.

The proposals include increases in the  targets for aluminium, steel, plastics and glass as government report that these materials have the greatest impact on the environment.

The government say that by the proposals would prevent an estimated 400,000 of packaging ending up in landfill, slow the demand for raw materials and make more recyclable materials readily available to businesses.