Scots haulage company fined for burning waste illegally

SEPA officers attended Nethershiel Farm where they found waste being burned in a skip.

West Lothian haulage company fined for burning waste illegally — Basil Baird and Sons Limited was served the Fixed Monetary Penalty (FMP) by the regulator. Google Maps

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A haulage company in West Lothian has been given a £600 penalty for illegally burning waste.

On the June 14, 2024, Scottish Environment Protection Agency officers attended Basil Baird and Sons Limited on Nethershiel Road where they found waste being burned in a skip.

A director of the company confirmed that he lit the fire and burned paperwork from his business activities as well as other items in the skip.

Basil Baird and Sons Limited was later served the Fixed Monetary Penalty (FMP) by Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Calum McGregor, of SEPA’s Environmental Crime Team, said illegally burning waste is “unacceptable” and often done to avoid the charges for taking wastes to permitted waste sites for recovery or disposal.

“When inappropriate waste is burned it can release harmful gases and any ash and waste which is left behind can also pollute surface and groundwater,” he said.

“This civil penalty should act as a warning to others that we will take action against those who ignore Scotland’s environmental regulations.”

He added: “There are very few occasions when burning is permissible so I would urge anyone looking to dispose of waste in this way to ensure that they check what authorisations are required before any burning takes place. If you’re not sure get in touch with us, we’re happy to provide advice and guidance.”