BUSINESSES in the East of England are struggling to follow the correct waste disposal procedures.

A new survey conducted by 'right Waste, right Place', focusing on small and medium size businesses, found that while 97% of businesses in the region think they are complying with obligations for the disposals of waste, 46% of businesses didn't know where their waste goes when it leaves site, with more than a third being unsure whether they completed Waste Transfer Notes.

By not complying with waste disposal laws, businesses risk contributing to illegal disposal or fly-tipping.

In Braintree alone, 764 incidents of fly-tipping were recorded in 2014 to 2015, costing Braintree council an estimated £100,000 to investigate and clear up.

Materials can also become contaminated if they are disposed off in the incorrect place.

The national 'right Waste, right Place' campaign is hoping to provide small business owners with the information and tools to help put proper waste disposal practices into place.

Dr Charles Beardall, area manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Helping businesses understand and comply with their Duty of Care is central in stopping waste getting into the hands of illegal waste operators.

"If more businesses know what to do with their waste, less will be illegally managed, less will be dangerously disposed of, and public money can be saved.

“It’s encouraging that this research shows businesses want to do the right thing, so providing information and guidance through the ‘right Waste, right Place’ website is a great way to help them achieve compliance, and we’d encourage businesses to engage with the campaign.”

Local businesses can find simple guides, Need to Know cards, case studies and videos online at www.rightwasterightplace.com or by emailing info@rightwasterightplace.com.