Should the UK be doing more to encourage recycling?

In the area of London I live in, putting out the recycling is very simple - everything you'd expect is recycled and there is no need to separate it - it just goes into the same big bin. However, even though it is so easy not everyone does it. One reason is that it is rumoured that the waste is not always recycled by the council. As well as this, the use of energy needed to recycle is nearly he same as making things from raw materials. If there were more ways to re-use containers - ie more items sold loose and weighed it would be better. And manufacturers should reduce packaging. Many items seem to come on a plastic tray or plastic pot, then with a cardboard sleeve as well - totally unnecessary. Banning plastic items like disposable cutlery or drinking straws would be a good step too.