The government is considering levying a "rubbish tax" in a new drive to cut waste and increase recycling.

Householders will be charged for "unsorted waste" dumped in rubbish bins as an incentive to recycle paper, glass, cardboard and other reusable materials, according to Cabinet minutes leaked to the Sunday Times.

The document quoted environment secretary Margaret Beckett as saying: "I accept that there will be potential political risks, but also the potential for significant long-term gains."

She also said that the move could be "perceived as another stealth tax".