LEGAL changes to the way hazardous waste is managed will affect North-west businesses, the Environment Agency has warned.

The European Landfill Directive requires changes to the way hazardous waste is handled by firms producing it as well as those disposing of it.

The Environment Agency has written to producers and carriers of hazardous waste in the region, highlighting their legal duties under the new legislation.

Regional manager Bernadette Carr said: "These changes will require a major change to waste management practices in the region and will present a great challenge to everyone involved.

"The onus is not just on the waste management sector to respond, but also for the producers of hazardous waste in the North-west to look for more sustainable management practices.

"This would be through prevention, minimisation and recovery, and to take responsibility for the final disposal of the residues they produce."