CALLS have been made for a “suitable” recycling service to be introduced for small businesses as many have been hit with heavy fines.

Concerns have been raised about the owners of growing businesses and sole traders being fined hundreds of pounds by 3GS, a private company contracted by Brighton and Hove City Council, for putting commercial waste in communal recycling bins.

Councillors have now called on Gill Mitchell, chairwoman of the city council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, to bring a report to members at the committee’s next meeting about options for a scheme to help solve the problem.

Tory councillor Lee Wares said: “We still see 3GS swamping city centre areas and going for the low hanging fruit but in the suburbs you don’t see them at all.”

Conservative councillor Tony Janio, who proposed the idea at Thursday’s council meeting, said: “The current system isn’t fit for purpose. That is why we are asking for a review.”

Alison Mapletoft, who runs a small business from her home in Hove making scarves and cushions, was handed a fine by 3GS earlier this year for putting a cardboard box into the wrong recycling bin.

Ms Mapletoft was told she must pay £300 for putting business waste into a communal recycling bin and £300 for having no waste disposal plan.

She was also informed by the company that she could face a fine of up to £2,500 or possible jail tail if she refused to pay.

The worried mother decided to pay the fine after being threatened with further punishment.

The council voted for a report to be brought to the next committee meeting to explore how the council’s Cityclean department could provide such a service.