Microchips in Our Bins Herald Pay as You Throw Tax, Say Tories

The number of households that have microchips in their bins has jumped to 2.6m in the past 12 months, according to a new report.

The study shows that 68 councils across the UK now put the new technology in their bins – a two-thirds increase in the past year.

Councils say the microchips identify which houses the bins belong to and deny accusations that they allow local authorities to analyse the amount of rubbish being thrown away. But opposition politicians claim the microchips can be used to weigh waste and fear the rise in the use of the technology will lead to "pay as you throw" schemes.

Caroline Spelman, shadow communities secretary, said: "Labour ministers are secretly planning to roll out bin taxes across the country after the election if Gordon Brown can cling to power.'

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