SO, it's official — we in Exeter are a load of wasters as we only recycle a derisory 37 per cent of our waste.

So what do you think the other 63 per cent of our 'rubbish' is?

Well, as you move around the city, have a look at a lot of the grey bins which are full to overflowing and obviously contain things that could be recycled.

And the solution?

Well, we could start charging people for their rubbish by the kilo as is done in parts of Holland.

But no, we definitely don't want that system in this country. Anyway, help is at hand since we are getting an incinerator — so anything we can't recycle or simply don't want can go in the furnace.

The problem there is that incinerators are hideously expensive to build and they need a special filtration system to remove the dioxins and other dangerous gases that come from burning waste.

On the plus side, we will get some electricity from the heat generated and lots of hot water which can be pumped to local businesses and homes. And how far are the nearest homes to the plant? About one kilometre — oh dear.

I think we should build it in the middle of the proposed Cranbrook town where the hot water could supply the young families with children just waiting for the incinerator's filtration system to go faulty and shower them with carcogenic smoke. Welcome to the future.

lan Jones

Mayflower Avenue, Exeter