TWO brothers who run a waste disposal firm in Banwell say confusion over operating licences got them into trouble with environment watchdogs.

Kerry Daglish, aged 43, and Justin Hester, aged 33, launched home clearance and rubbish removal firm Waste Not Want Not five months ago.

But the business was brought to the attention of the Environment Agency last month after complaints were made about the burning of wood at its Knightcott Road base.

The firm, which has large yard and office, is only allowed to move and arrange rubbish under its waste carrier licence.

An agency spokesman said a warning was sent to the business with information on operating licences.

This week, Mr Daglish told the Mercury he was unaware he had been operating illegally at the site.

He said: “We didn’t completely understand what licences we needed, we thought the licence we had covered what we were doing.

“We have since been in discussions with the Environment Agency and are working to decide what licences we need to apply for. In the meantime, we have not carried any waste on to our site, only goods we can recycle which we can move under our current licence.”

Mr Daglish began the business with his brother after spotting the gap in the market while working in house removals. He wants his business to help customers recycle their waste while at the same time prevent fly-tipping.