A Dorset business-owner has been prosecuted for not dealing with his company’s waste records correctly.

Christopher Lohan, 74, is the director of Lohan & Elite Cleaning Group Ltd. which is based in Sherborne and has premises in Shaftesbury.

A Dorset Waste Partnership Enforcement officer made a routine visit to the premises to check that the business was disposing of its waste properly. Having observed a large waste bin, the officer requested to view appropriate Waste Transfer Notes, which are provided by commercial waste carriers when removing waste.

As the business was unable to provide these notes, the officer issued a Fixed Penalty Notice which needed to be paid within 14 days. However, this request was subsequently ignored.

Enforcement officers made calls to the business to an attempt to resolve the situation, with a further 14 days to make payment offered, but no payment was received.

At this point the DWP, with the aid of Dorset County Council’s Legal Team, proceeded to take the matter to court.

At a hearing, Lohan pleaded guilty to Failure to Produce a Waste Transfer Document, both with respect to himself and on behalf of his company as its sole director.

Mr Lohan acknowledged that he had no defence to the charge and showed remorse. He confirmed that he now has a waste collection agreement in place.

Lohan received a 12-month conditional discharge. He was ordered to pay a £20 Victim Surcharge.

Lohan & Elite Cleaning Group Ltd was ordered to pay a fine, in the amount of £300, in addition to a contribution of £450 towards DCC’s costs.

Therefore, the total financial penalty for Mr Lohan and the Company was £770. A collection order was made requiring this sum to be paid within the next 14 days.

An Enforcement Officer for the Dorset Waste Partnership commented:

“Our officers regularly visit various businesses across the county to ensure they are disposing of their waste correctly. When proof – such as Waste Transfer Notes - cannot be provided that this is happening we will take further action, usually in the form of a Fixed Penalty Notice. If this isn’t paid, we will consider taking the non-payee to court.

Everyone has a duty of care when it comes to waste, but all businesses need to have a commercial collection in place if they produce any level of rubbish or recycling. From as little as around £2 per collection, it’s cheap and convenient to do the right thing and will also provide the appropriate documentation in the event our officers check up on your business.”