Fine given for waste carrier licence offences amid air quality concerns

A fine has been given to two men from Kent for breaching waste carrier licence rules, which could have had a negative impact on the local air quality.

Issac Ngalle and Michael Ashley were charged £7,005 yesterday (March 21st 2011) by Bexley Magistrates' Court for not having the correct environmental legislation documents.

They were found to be carrying controlled rubbish in October 2010 without holding the appropriate waste carrier licence.

Both men were advised to register as a carrier of waste by the Environment Agency but by December last year they had not done so.

Colin Green, environment officer at the agency, said this case highlights the importance of people to carry the correct documentation if they plan to handle refuse products, as they are given out in order to protect the atmosphere.

"Waste crime puts the environment and human health at risk," he stated.

This comes after Thames Water was forced to pay £345,000 last week after it allowed sewage to seep into gardens, streams, waterways, homes and allotments in Kent, causing local water quality to drop.

Posted by Joseph Hutton