FORMER county councillor Michael Odling is spearheading the county's war on waste.

Mr Odling, the new chairman of ReMaDe Kent and Medway, a programme aimed at developing markets for waste materials, says he has to find uses for an extra 77,000 tonnes by 2004.

He admits the target is a tough one. "However, it can be done if the potential for recycling materials can be demonstrated as being both cost effective and environmentally sound," he said.

Mr Odling has a lot of experience in tackling green issues. He is a director of Brett Environment Trust, a forum member of the Kent Sustainable Business Partnership and was a senior Kent county councillor for many years, dealing with environmental, waste, planning and transport issues.

He was also the first chairman of the Environment Agency Advisory Group, which gives guidance on a wide range of waste related issues. Mr Odling said: "I hope that my background will enable me to provide useful knowledge and contacts for ReMaDe Kent and Medway.

"Serious work still needs to be done to divert waste from landfill back into production. While there are some companies recycling materials a lot more still needs to happen before we see a dramatic improvement in recycling figures.

ReMaDe Kent and Medway is supported by Kent County Council, Medway Council and Business Link Kent and is receiving £600,000 of funding over three years from the Brett Environment Trust.

It is developing new markets and secondary uses for recycled materials in glass, compost, paper and plastics. Research and development projects are underway with construction and demolition waste, electrical goods, tyres and end-of-life vehicles.