AN EVESHAM company has agreed to pay a marine charity just under £55,000 after it failed to carry out proper recycling practices for a decade.
Walsh Mushrooms Group of Vale Park is now working within the rules and has made a payment of £54,880.33 to the Marine Conservation Society to make amends for the failures.
The company, whose head office is in Gorey, Co Wexford in the Republic of Ireland, admitted they had not registered under packaging regulations between 2007-2017 and had failed to implement proper recycling practices.
Environment Agency chiefs estimate the company handled nearly 9,000 tonnes of packaging in that period.
The legislation is designed to ensure companies take a responsible approach to packaging materials.
Beth Haste, a regulatory officer for the Environment Agency, said: “Enforcement Undertakings are an effective enforcement tool used by the Environment Agency to enable businesses to address breaches of environmental legislation and contribute to environmental projects.
“We are increasingly using this method of enforcement for suitable cases to bring businesses into compliance with environmental legislation and requirements, and to protect the environment.
“However, we will prosecute or impose monetary penalties in appropriate cases.
Jenny Griffiths, education manager for the Marine Conservation Society, said: “The enforcement undertaking from Walsh Mushrooms is being used to research, design and create new education materials to inspire action and ocean friendly behaviours from consumers and businesses throughout England.”
A Walsh Mushrooms spokesperson denied the company ignored the regulations.
“It was a case of local management not being aware of the regulations,” the spokesperson said.
“In 2017 the company became aware of the regulations and put in place controls to ensure we are fully compliant.
“We also engage positively with the EA to address the previous year’s obligations.”
