The Local Government Association has called for a crackdown on ‘irresponsible’ waste companies who refuse to reveal where they are selling recycled materials to.

Following an ITV investigation, the LGA has written to every council leader in England and Wales stressing the importance of having detailed information about where recycled items are sold or sent to.

Many firms do not disclose where they send household waste for recycling, often claiming commercial confidentiality.

The LGA is calling for a clear, accountable and transparent system so residents will continue to have confidence in the system and continue to recycle more.

A ‘Tonight’ investigation revealed waste originally collected for recycling by four local authorities is being dumped on Indian farmland. It found a hidden mountain of British waste in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Supposedly recycled mail was found at one Indian dump addressed to residents living in Tendring, Wellingborough and Wakefield district councils, and Leicestershire County Council. Matthew Lugg, Leicestershire’s director of highways, waste and transportations, said: ‘We don’t know why waste that appeared to be from Leicestershire was there.

‘As far as we were aware they were reputable contractors. We want to find out what has happened and assure our residents that all their hard work in sorting their waste for recycling is not going to waste.’

Cllr Paul Bettison, chairman of the LGA environment board, said: ‘If a contractor refuses to reveal where materials are being sold, it can lead to suspicion and undermine the whole process. It is important that local authorities and local people are confident that their waste is being sold or exported responsibly.’