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Landfill space in the UK will run out in nine years unless action is taken to improve recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste thrown into tips, the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

The LGA supports the idea of charging householders for the disposal of rubbish, as long as there is local public support, no overall increase in council tax, and tough measures to tackle any increase in fly-tipping

A failure to reduce waste could mean fines of up to £200m for the taxpayer by 2013, according to the National Audit Office. In 2010, the fine for every tonne of waste above a set quota will rise to £150.

The LGA is also calling for the laws on excess packaging to be strengthened and fines increased.