A major corporation found guilty of breaking waste dumping laws has had its fines increased by nearly 11 times the original amount.
Announced yesterday by the Court of Criminal Appeal in Edinburgh, the Doonin plant will have to pay £90,000 for illegally dumping waste between Blantyre and Cambuslang, Lanakshire. According to Lord Clarke, the company’s actions were a blatant disregard to the firm’s responsibilities in waste management practices.
Originally, the firm was to be fined £8000, after it came to light that the company had broken several environmental laws by dumping the rubbish illegally at Bardykes. However, judges ruled that the fine was unduly lenient and increase it by 11 times in their ruling.
The new government has moved towards a greater crackdown on illegal dumping as the UK amps up its recycling efforts. Looming EU recycling and waste reduction targets have seen a surge in the government passing new laws and legislation to require companies, councillors and organisations to better manage waste and increase recycling.
The news comes in the wake of Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman announcing major changes ahead to UK waste management policy as the new government heads a review on current procedures. Some changes may include rewards-based recycling schemes, fewer wheelie bins allowed for residences, and increased landfill taxes.
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