THE Environment Agency will be taking a tougher line against companies that are deliberately avoiding their environmental responsibilities as set out in regulations introduced four years ago.

The Producer Respon-sibility Obligations (Pack-aging Waste) Regulations were introduced in 1997.

Since then the agency has concentrated more on raising awareness of the regulations than actually prosecuting firms.

The number of prosecutions, enforcement notices and cautions issued has so far been low.

An agency spokesman said three prosecutions have been undertaken, five warning letters sent out and two cautions made.

But he said companies had now had enough time to be aware and more enforcement could be expected in the future.

The spokesman said the agency will be concentrating on targeting those companies who are regularly seeking to avoid their responsibilities.

He said: "We are going to be more focused on targeting companies who are deliberately avoiding the obligations and we will be carefully watching those companies."

The regulations affect any business which has an annual turnover of more than £2 million and handles more than 50 tonnes of packaging materials a year.

The businesses have to register annually with the agency or an approved compliance scheme, and then subsequently ensure the recovery and recycling of packaging waste, to meet their obligations.

In March 2000, Color Steels, of Cross Keys, became the first company in Wales to be prosecuted for failing to comply with the regulations.

The company pleaded guilty to three offences. At the beginning of August this year, Timet (UK), which has plants in Swansea and Birmingham, was formally cautioned by the agency.

Companies concerned about whether they are affected by the regulations can contact the Agency for advice on 0845 9333 111.