SMALL businesses (SMEs) have been warned about their responsibilities after research showed they account for most of the country's environmental crime.

A report by the Government's Environmental Audit Committee found that SMEs were responsible for up to 80 per cent of pollution incidents and more than 60 per cent of all industrial waste produced in England and Wales.

Despite the high figures, the report said that 70 to 75 per cent of SMEs were unaware of their environmental obligations.

Gill Thornally, of the Environment Agency, said: "We know that business owners are very busy people, but by keeping up to date with legislation and best practices it is certainly possible to avoid breaches of legislation and, importantly, save money too."

Published: 26/04/2005