A Labour MP is to introduce legislation compelling householders to sort their rubbish.

Joan Ruddock, who came fifth in the private members bill ballot last week, is to introduce doorstep recycling proposals."The key to raising the level of recycling waste in Britain is doorstep collection," the Lewisham MP said.

"I intend to introduce a bill to place a duty on local authorities to collect separated waste for recycling from individual households."

The former minister for women has strong green credentials - a previous private members bill became the Control of Pollution (Amendment) Act in 1989.

Ruddock dismissed critics of green recycling schemes who claim a law would be unworkable.

"I know it works. I separate all my own waste paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminium for collection at my doorstep by a local recycling cooperative. Most people would like to have the same opportunity," she insisted.

"The details of the bill are not yet finalised, but it will build on the very successful campaign by Friends of the Earth, with whom I intend to work closely."