New directives aimed at dealing with the problem of waste management must be introduced after greater planning, the government's red tape watchdog has said.

The Better Regulation Taskforce said more guidance on the End of Life Vehicles and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment directives was needed.

Transparency is also needed in the implications and timing of such directives, as well as a future plan for environmental legislation, it warned.

The implementation of the directives has been controversial after countryside fridge mountains built up.

The report warned that new disposal measures were introduced with insufficient planning.

"There is still an opportunity that the government can avoid another fridges fiasco by using the directives as an opportunity for the economy as well as the environment," said Janet Russell, the head of the study.

"The potential for things going wrong is even greater with these directives than it was for fridges.

"They cover many more products - from washing machines to electric toothbrushes; from microwaves to toasters; and of course, old cars.

"Our report makes a number of recommendations to government that, if acted upon quickly, will make a real difference to the successful implementation of the new regulations."

However the report concluded that successful implementation of future directives could deliver direct environmental improvements.

"If the government gets it right, we will all benefit," Russell added.

"These directives present an opportunity for both the economy and a cleaner environment.

"The environment will benefit from 'greener' products designed with recycling in mind.

"The economy will benefit from the significant business opportunity the directives bring for entrepreneurs wishing to rise to this new recycling challenge.

"But, until businesses know clearly the timeframe and implications, they will not be able to respond to the opportunity."