Environment

Kramp UK, the agricultural machinery spare parts supplier, has been fined £10,000 for failing to comply with packaging waste legislation.

The Biggleswade-based operation pleaded guilty to not being registered with the Environment Agency (EA), or similar compliance scheme, during 2006 and 2007 as required by the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations.

Under the legislation, firms in a turnover of more than £2m, which handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging a year, have to register and pay a sum dependent on the size of their activity.

Last Thursday (4 September), Bedford Magisrates Court fined Kramp £9,000 and ordered it to pay the EA costs of £1,015. The firm had failed to pay £6,618 between 2004 and 2007.

EA officer Laith Yassen said: "Failure to comply with the packaging waste regulations cuts the amount of money available for recycling and recovery."

The firm's managing directors declined to comment.

Kramp UK is part of Kramp Groep that operates in nine countries across Europe, generating a turnover of €220m (£177m).