AN employment law expert is warning businesses that new regulations mean they have legal responsibilities for reducing their carbon footprint.
All companies involved in the production, manufacture, sale and distribution of electrical and electronic goods are now legally bound to make sure old goods are disposed of in an environmentally sound way.
The warning comes from Ross Meadows of law firm Mace & Jones, following the introduction of new “polluter pays� rules on waste electrical equipment.
Mr Meadows said: “The regulations are wide ranging and will affect small traditional high street retailers as well as the larger distributors.
“They apply to producers, retailers, distributors, local authorities and exporters.Â
“For instance, if a company wants to get rid of its old mobile phones, printers or anything else electrical, and is not replacing them, it has to have proof that it has done this in an environmentally acceptable manner – such as through a waste management company.
“My advice to all businesses is to take stock now of all electrical equipment – and start taking records of how you are disposing of this equipment.�
Any business who falls foul of the regulations risks an investigation by the Environment Agency and a prosecution and potentially unlimited fine.Â
Company directors and managers can be prosecuted for participation in, or neglect leading to, offences.
Businesses can find more information by visiting: www.letsrecycle.com.