Peers have thrown out key parts of legislation aimed at cutting waste at landfill sites.

The government was defeated by the Opposition in the Lords on Thursday over a new system of targets to encourage councils to reduce the amount of rubbish going to landfill.

An Opposition amendment calling for authorities to publish a joint municipal waste strategy was passed by a majority of 16 votes - 115 to 99 - in the third reading of the Waste and Emissions Trading Bill.

Lord Hanningfield, Tory leader of Essex County Council, claimed the government's new plans would "descend into chaos" without a proper strategy.

The government's environment minister in the Lords, Lord Whitty, rejected calls for an amendment ahead of the vote.

A spokesman foe the Conservatives also predicted further defeats on other parts of the bill.

The party will call for composting material to be heat treated in a bid to beat foot and mouth, ring fencing cash that comes from the landfill tax escalator for recycling projects and for a halt to plans to fine authorities that miss targets on rubbish disposal where another authority is actually at fault.