A new voluntary commitment for councils to help smaller businesses (SMEs) meet their waste management responsibilities and recycle more was launched on Wednesday.

The Local Authority Business Recycling and Waste Collection Commitment, was developed by the Local Government Association (LGA) in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Government's waste advisor, WRAP.

Cllr David Parsons, LGA environment board chairman, said it ‘gives councils the opportunity to send a clear signal to local businesses about the support and services they can provide.'

The commitment includes providing regular collections for businesses, the offer of advice on waste efficiency and access to household waste recycling centres.

Businesses are responsible for their own waste, in most cases this involves paying for local authority services.