A year after the laws came into force, most businesses still don't know they exist

Only a third of small businesses are aware of Europe's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (Weee) regulations – despite them being introduced a year ago, says a survey by the Environment Agency.

The laws introduced in in the UK in January 2007 to reduce the amount of electrical waste going to landfill.The regulations require businesses to return their end of life electrical equipment to the producer or dispose of it ecologically.

"Small businesses generate 60 per cent of all commercial waste in England and Wales so it’s critical that all users of electrical equipment understand what Weee means for them," said Richard Martin, programme manager of environmental guidance website netregs.gov.uk.

Compliance is simple common sense, said Martin.

"The good news is that Weee legislation can help businesses dispose of their electrical waste products sustainably - in many cases, at no cost," he said.

"Where previously businesses may have had to pay for a skip, now they can contact the producer of electrical goods they purchased since 2005 to dispose of their equipement."