The standard rate of tax is set to go up from £64 a tonne to £72 a tonne from April 2013, with a further £8 hike due in April 2014, taking the cost per tonne to £80.

According to the government, the tax is unlikely to fall below this rate until at least 2020 leading Blandford-based print waste management specialist J&G to urge printers to review their waste management.

J&G said many printers could significantly reduce their waste disposal costs by minimising waste in the first place, sorting any that is created and identifying any waste that can be recycled, potentially generating additional income.

J&G general manager John Haines said: "More and more printers are implementing these steps and reaping the rewards, but some companies still might not appreciate the true cost of sending waste to landfill and regard it as a cost over which they have no control."

He added that J&G is offering a free waste audit service that advises on waste minimisation, reuse, storage and the potential for recycle. For more information visit www.jg-environmental.com