BUSINESSES in Hartlepool are being warned to dispose of waste legally amid concerns they may be duped into paying unlicensed people to deal with it.

Hartlepool Borough Council is warning town traders of their responsibilities when it comes to getting rid of their waste.

Ian Burton, environmental enforcement officer at the council, said: "Traders must ensure anyone removing their waste is from either the local authority or a licensed waste collection company.

"Businesses are responsible for ensuring their waste is disposed of properly, and must ask for proof from the waste contractor that he is registered with the Environment Agency to transport controlled wastes.

"They must also ensure that a written description of the waste is transferred to the registered person."

Businesses failing to comply with the law could be prosecuted, and face fines of up to £20,000 or imprisonment