A Welsh stone tile supplier has blasted the Environment Agency for not doing enough to inform businesses about packaging waste regulations.

 

Mandarin Slate admitted it had not previously complied with Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations and was fined £10,550 on 14 July.

 

But the Monmouth-based firm has hit back at the Environment Agency (EA) saying the reason it had not complied was because was unaware of the requirement to register with a packaging compliance scheme.

 

In a letter to local media, seen by Packaging News, the firm's directors said many small to medium-sized companies were not registering because the EA relied on them visiting its website to find out about the regulations.

 

"Mandarin feels strongly that the recycling cause and the EA would be better served by launching a mass campaign to all businesses in the UK, making them aware of the possible requirement to register and comply," the directors said.

 

Mandarin added it had always sought to responsibly dispose of its on-site packaging waste, despite the absence of local facilities and incentives.

 

In a statement relating to the fine, Environment Agency Wales said it sent a clear message to companies that failing to comply with legislation could lead to prosecution.

 

"Information about all environmental regulations can be found on our website, and we are happy to advise businesses on what they need to do to comply with the law to protect the environment."

 

Under the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations, all businesses with an annual turnover in excess of £2m and which handle more than 50 tonnes of packaging per annum must be registered with the EA or a recognised compliance scheme.