Tough new regulations on the disposal of fridges could lead to unwanted white goods littering our streets.

Last week, The Argus reported a huge rise in dumped cars because scrapyards were struggling to deal with EU laws governing disposal of engine fluids.

The owner of a refrigerator repair store has now issued a warning of a similar scenario with fridges.

Andrew Kirk, who runs The Fridge Shop in South Coast Road, Peacehaven, said the laws, which come into force at the end of this month, could have far-reaching implications.

Mr Kirk, 29, who lives in Hove, said some major electrical retailers were already refusing to take away old fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers when delivering new items.

He said: "From the end of this month, there are going to be fridges dumped everywhere."

Mr Kirk said he could no longer afford to take people's fridges if there was no hope of reconditioning and reselling them.

A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "We will continue to take fridges and freezers from members of the public who are residents of Brighton and Hove.

"These can be taken to our sites at Leighton Road, Hove, and Sheepcote Valley, Brighton.

"We are also looking at sites for storing fridges and freezers as well."

She said people could still arrange to have them removed, as with any bulky goods, for a fee.