Setting high recycling targets would be irresponsible and misleading, councils backing controversial waste plans claimed.

They told a public inquiry calls to boost recycling pandered to the belief it was a simple solution, which would avoid the need to build incinerators.

Brighton and Hove City Council and East Sussex County Council said opponents of the plans wanted recycling rates which were rarely achieved in developed countries.

They were responding to Lewes District Council, which told the inquiry alternative plans relying on more recycling, coupled with new technology, would avoid the need for burning.

Lewes proposes recycling and composting about 45 per cent of household refuse.

Timothy Howard, representing the two main councils, said countries with good recycling records, such as Denmark and the Netherlands, also incinerated a lot of waste.

None of the new mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) plants, backed by Lewes, are operating in Britain and few in Europe. MBT produces a residue which would have to be burned or landfilled.

Experts representing the two main councils denied claims by Lewes a crucial environment report was biased towards incineration.

The waste plans identify North Quay and Mountfield Mine, near Robertsbridge, as potential incinerator sites. Contractor Onyx Aurora, which has signed a 25-year deal with the two main councils, wants a single burner at North Quay.

The contract calls for between 33 and 35 per cent of household refuse to be recycled or composted.

Lewes said high levels of recycling could be achieved by having more small plants, rather than a few large facilities.

The authority said building a burner at Newhaven would hinder plans to regenerate the town, hamper port expansion and reduce house prices.

Pressure groups such as Friends of the Earth have told the inquiry at least 50 per cent of household waste should be recycled or composted.