The Independent said the EU had become so "exasperated" at Britain's failure to improve its recycling rates that it has threatened legal action.

Central to the row are "repeated delays" in introducing the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive to reduce the dumping of televisions, computers and other electrical goods, it added.

London could find itself in the European courts as early as next month, said the newspaper, which regularly champions worldwide environmental issues.

It quoted European Commission spokeswoman Barbara Helfferich as saying the delay was "not acceptable".

"We need to abide by the law. We have waited a long time and it is time for the directive to be transposed. If not the (United Kingdom) will have to face the court," she said.

Britain lags behind its European neighbours for recycling despite efforts to improve the situation over recent years.

The government has launched a campaign this year to highlight the amount of waste that will be generated by households over the festive period.