Dutch households produced less waste last year but the amount of rubbish  put on the streets for collection still equalled 518 kilos per person, according to figures from the national statistics office CBS.

In 2000, the amount of waste per person reached 562 kilos, the CBS is quoted as saying by Nos television.

Looked at on a regional basis, the Wadden Islands produce the most waste, but this is due to their popularity as a tourist destination, the CBS said.

The four big Dutch cities make less waste than average. In Amsterdam, the rubbish collection service picks up 437 kilos per person. In The Hague and Utrecht the figure is nearer 460 kilos.