SMALL businesses could unwittingly contribute to fly-tipping and other nuisance waste disposal methods.

The Federation of Small Businesses is warning that changes to hazardous waste laws in July will make firms vulnerable to unlicensed contractors who may not dispose of goods properly.

With paint, oil, computer monitors, fluorescent tubes, televisions and batteries now re-classified as hazardous many small businesses will find themselves with hazardous waste on their hands.

The situation is worsened by a massive reduction in landfill sites accepting hazardous waste. From 240, fewer than 15 will now handle such waste, with none in the South East.

The FSB has written to Baroness Young, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency (EA) to voice its concerns.

The FSB’s letter also raises concerns about the lack of awareness of the new rules and flaws in the Environment Agency’s system for registering the producers of hazardous waste.

* Waste management assistance for businesses is available from the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 58 57 94.

The Environment Agency can be contacted on 0870 506506.