Michael Coates Recycling Ltd (MCR), a Gateshead scrap metal and plastics recycling company, has been fined £10,000 for carrying out waste activities without an environmental permit.
The company, which operates two sites on Henworth Way on the Pelow Industrial Estate, appeared at Sunderland Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (2 May) and admitted two charges of operating a waste facility without the appropriate environmental permit.
Michael Coates, the firm’s director, also pleaded guilty to two other charges of allowing activities to be carried out without a permit.
The Environmental Agency (EA) took the case to court after its investigating officers discovered the firm was receiving, sorting and storing mixed waste – activities that were not covered by the company’s existing permits.
According to the EA, at Units 4 and 5c on Henworth Way, the firm was permitted to receive presorted plastics for recycling. But in May 2011, waste that included paper and aluminium cans was seen being sorted there, and in October 2011 bales of mixed waste were also found in storage on the site.
At Van Hee Yard, also located on Henworth Way, the firm was permitted to receive presorted scrap metal. However, in December 2011, investigating officers witnessed wood, mattresses and foam being delivered and sorted on the site. In January 2012 more mixed waste was again seen being sorted.
In addition to the fine, the company was ordered to pay legal costs of £2,000 and a victim surcharge of £15. Michael Coates was also fined £350 and ordered to pay costs of £371.
Reportedly, MCR has since applied for the relevant environmental permits and is currently operating within the law. The EA has stated that the firm has also recruited a qualified waste expert to oversee operations.
Jim Crammon, Environmental Crime Officer at the EA, said: “The result of this case demonstrates that environmental crime is a serious offence. MCR carried out a number of activities without being properly licensed, and there were continued breaches in spite of our advice.
“Following the EA’s investigations, we are pleased to be able to say that the company has responded positively by obtaining appropriate permits and improving its practices to ensure the permits are not breached in the future.
“Waste operations of this nature could potentially have a harmful impact on the environment and the local community – that’s why it is vital that companies know their responsibilities and operate within the conditions of their environmental permits.”
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