An ice cream distributor has been fined £6,000 for failing to recycle its rubbish.

Consort Frozen Foods Limited in Burgess Hill was prosecuted by the Environment Agency for failing to meet packaging obligations.

Companies with a turnover of more than £2 million and handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging each year must recycle a percentage of their rubbish.

Officers for the agency visited the firm in September last year and demanded documents recording the amount of waste.

The accounts revealed Consort Frozen Foods had saved an estimated £3,319 by failing to meet recycling obligations on six occasions in 2000 and the following year.

Hazel Smith, environment officer for the agency, said: "We have taken into account the apparent lack of intent or deliberate avoidance of the regulations.

"It is important we send the message out to businesses that these recycling obligations are extremely important and must be adhered to."

The company was brought before Haywards Heath Magistrates Court on Friday last week and admitted six charges.

A fine of £3000 was imposed for three offences in 2000 alongside a further £3,000 for offences in 2001 and £1,845 in costs.

Wednesday August 25, 2004