A new government unit should be created to cover waste policy, according to an influential committee of peers.

In a report published on Wednesday, the cross-party group argued that such a move would lead to the better implementation of European directives on the issues of the environment and waste policy.

The investigation comes after thousands of fridges were dumped due to the additional costs of disposal caused by new EU regulations.

Opposition parties blamed the government for failing to prepare for implementation of the new rules.

Such a situation could be avoided if a Whitehall unit was created, dedicated to fulfilling such a role, argued the committee.

"EU waste policy is becoming increasingly sophisticated, the government must be more proactive in influencing European strategies, rather than reacting passively to legislative proposals from the Commission," said committee chairman Lord Selborne.

"We believe that the current split of responsibility between departments without a clear strategic lead, results in a lack of accountability and direction.

"A single inter-departmental waste unit could improve coordination within government, act as a centre of expertise and provide a single voice on waste policy, helping to avoid repeats of past failures such as the fridges fiasco.

"The inter-departmental group should be backed by a government website containing all matters relating to waste management."

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs did not rule out such a move, but said that an internal inquiry into the matter was continuing.

"There is currently a study being carried out by the Cabinet Office looking at the responsibilities for waste, which are currently held by the Department of Trade and Industry, Defra and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister," said a spokesman.

"The results of the study are expected shortly."