15.06.2009

In The Courts – Packaging Offences

Webasto Roof Systems Ltd of Sutton Coldfield, a local car parts manufacturer was fined £15,400 plus compensation of £3,072, costs of £2,131 and a victim surcharge of £15.

The company pleaded guilty to eleven charges relating to failing to register with the Environment Agency and failing to meet its requirements to recover and recycle packaging waste between 2004 and 2007. It was estimated that the company had avoided costs of approximately £7,938 by not registering and purchasing the correct amount of Packaging Recovery Notes.

Hannah Wooldridge, the investigating officer for the Environment Agency said:-

“This case highlights the need for companies to keep the requirements of environmental legislation on their agenda at all times. The company had previously been fully compliant with the Regulations, but a change of management meant the regulations were overlooked for a number of years.”