A Lancashire firm, 3R Technology UK Ltd, and its director Yulin Wang pleaded guilty to 16 offences for illegally exporting mixed and contaminated plastic waste to Malaysia between April 2022 and February 2025, breaching prohibition notices in August 2024.

The waste shipped was falsely described as clean plastic, but inspectors found it contaminated with electrical waste, wiring, circuit boards and other mixed materials, making the exports unlawful without proper notification and consent.

Nine containers were involved in April 2022, three in May and July 2024, and two in February 2025, with a 2022 Felixstowe spot check triggering investigations after papers claimed the waste was clean.

Two prohibition notices were issued in August 2024 to stop ongoing contaminated exports, though further shipments occurred after the notices.

The offences breached cross-border waste movement regulations requiring accurate description, proper classification, and prior notification and consent for export.

This case forms part of a government-wide Waste Crime crackdown, under the Waste Crime Action Plan that seeks zero tolerance, stops waste crime at the source, closes loopholes, and strengthens regulator tools.

The crackdown was highlighted by authorities as a broader commitment to tackle waste crime across the sector, with enhanced powers and proactive enforcement.

Environment Agency officials condemned the defendants’ actions as a complete disregard for environmental law and stated the prosecution sends a clear message that waste crime will be met with strong action.

Emma Viner of the Environment Agency underscored that authorities will take robust action against waste criminals and enforce the rules across the sector.

The court ordered 3R Technology UK Ltd to pay 80,000 pounds in fines, 45,000 pounds in costs, and 2,000 pounds in victim surcharge, while Yulin Wang received 120 hours of unpaid community work, 15,000 pounds in costs, and a 114-pound victim surcharge.