Following an investigation by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Platts Agricultural was sentenced at Caernarfon Crown Court on 11 December 2025 after pleading guilty in July 2025 to operating a regulated waste wood facility without authorisation.
The offences took place between 2017 and 2021.
The court imposed a £22,500 fine and ordered the company to pay £21,910.25 in prosecution costs.
Waste wood used for animal bedding
The case related to the acceptance and processing of waste wood at a site in North Wales, where material was handled and processed for use as animal bedding.
NRW said the activity required an environmental permit due to the nature and scale of the waste being accepted and treated.
Despite this, Platts Agricultural continued to operate the site without securing the necessary permissions, placing it outside the regulatory framework designed to ensure waste is managed safely and legally.
Carys Williams, Team Leader for Waste Regulation at NRW, commented: “Environmental permits are not just a legal requirement – they uphold standards that are essential to protect people and our environment. They ensure waste is managed safely and legally.
“This case demonstrates that anyone handling waste wood must have the correct permissions in place.”
Regulators highlighted concerns around the handling of waste wood, particularly where treated wood may pose risks to animal health, people and the wider environment if it is misused.
Case escalated over years
NRW brought the prosecution after what it described as repeated attempts to secure compliance.
Officers carried out inspections at the site and engaged with the company over several years.
During these visits, NRW set out clearly what environmental permits were required, the steps needed to achieve compliance, and the timescales involved.
A range of proportionate enforcement tools were used in an effort to bring the operation into line with the law.
However, NRW said that despite this ongoing engagement, Platts Agricultural continued to accept and process waste wood without authorisation, leading the regulator to escalate the matter and pursue a prosecution.
Williams added: “Operating without a permit or cutting corners undercuts legitimate businesses that invest in compliance.
“It creates unfair competition and increases environmental and public health risks.
“We’ve also worked with partners to issue a multi-agency statement on the use of waste wood in animal bedding.
“Treated waste wood can be harmful if misused, so businesses must follow guidance and source materials responsibly.”
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