Travel agencies could face hefty fines if they fail to comply with new regulations on recycling that come into force next week.
The regulations, part of the Landfill Directive,will see businesses forced to separate waste into paper, glass and plastic.
The regulations are already in force in Scotland and will be enforced by the Environmental Agency in England and Wales.
However, according to a YouGov survey, fewer than one in five senior directors of small businesses know of the change.
Dr David Gillett, sales director of Taylor, the recycling company that commissioned the survey, said: “The data shows that one of the reasons why businesses are not aware of the legislation is because it has not been communicated effectively.”
The report also showed that a quarter of small businesses which recycle at least some of their waste do not provide recycling bins in the workplace.
Roz Arnold, consultant at Ian Allan Travel in Shepperton, Middlesex, was unaware of the directive, but said: “We feel strongly about recycling.”
Brochure distributor BP Travel Marketing Services is running a green brochure charter to help agencies cut waste. Managing director Paul Markland said: “The few agencies who put their brochures in the bin will have to take notice of this new directive.”