Car parts manufacturer fined for breaching packaging waste laws

The company had been registered under the Packaging Waste Regulations until 2003, but failed to comply between 2004 and 2007.

Consequently, Webasto was fined £1,400 for each of the 11 breaches, ordered to pay compensation of £3,072 and costs of £2,131.64, in addition to a £15 victim surcharge.

In mitigation, the company told the court that it had experienced severe financial difficulties between 2003 and 2004, which led to a management change and the lapse in registration.

Webasto had also continued to recycle throughout this period, despite not being registered.

Under the regulations, firms that handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging a year are required to register with the Environment Agency or a compliance scheme and provide evidence of recycling.

Hannah Wooldridge, investigating officer for the Environment Agency, said the case highlighted the need for companies to keep the requirements of environmental legislation on their agenda at all times.

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