A TOP Kidderminster carpet company has been fined £2,500 for waste offences.

Victoria Carpets, of Worcester Road, was fined by Kidderminster magistrates over recyling packaging waste.

The court heard the company had failed to take reasonable steps to recover and recycle the waste.

It also failed to supply a compliance certificate for recovery and recycling obligations.

The company admitted the offences in a case brought by the Environment Agency.

Kalbir Gill, prosecuting, said Victoria Carpets registered with the agency in 1999 but despite reminders did not submit a Certificate of Compliance by January 31 last year for its 1999 recovery and recycling obligations of 28 tonnes.

It later became clear the company had failed to take "reasonable steps" to recover and recycle packaging.

Speaking after the case Mrs Gill said: "It is the producers' duty to ensure they are up to date with legislation that affects them and to fulfil their obligation of responsibility to the environment and the rest of society.

"The recovery and recycling of waste is increasing in the UK and throughout the European Union.

"We are keen to encourage this trend and will continue to prosecute companies that fail to comply with these regulations."

The company said in mitigation the fault resulted from an employee's oversight during the firm's relocation.

It also stated it had co-operated fully with agency investigations and had no previous convictions.

It had now joined a compliance scheme.

The Environment Agency was also awarded £382.68 costs.