FIRMS can be prosecuted if they fail to comply with new regulations on the production or movement of hazardous waste from this week.
A change in the law means many common items, including fluorescent tube lighting and computer monitors, will for the first time fall within the scope of hazardous waste.
Any organisation which produces or moves hazardous waste will be required to notify the Environment Agency of the premises at which this takes place - although this requirement will not apply to waste produced from the normal use of premises as offices or shops.
John Davies, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants head of business law, said: "Many businesses may not yet realise that they could easily be affected by these new regulations, finding themselves classed as producers of hazardous waste for the first time."
Updated: 11:19 Wednesday, July 20, 2005
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