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A family-run recycling firm has been forced to shut its doors after regulators stepped in over concerns about waste stored at its site. Blackpole Recycling Ltd, based on an industrial estate in Worcester, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, according to the Gazette, after being served a restriction notice by the Environment Agency.

An automated message on the company's phone line tells callers the business has taken the "protective step" as it works to stabilise its operations. The message states: "We would like to inform customers that the company has recently filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators. This is a protective step while the business works through its current position. During this period there's unfortunately some temporary disruption to our services and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

"At present, we are unable to carry out collections, exchanges or new service bookings while this process is ongoing.

"We truly appreciate your patience and understanding at this time."

The company offered waste management services to local businesses and councils across the region.

However, the firm has found itself in hot water in recent months after some businesses reported waste being deposited and lorries arriving to dump rubbish at the company's site like a "military operation".

The Environment Agency said it first served the operator with a suspension notice on February 17 after inspectors found piles of wood and plasterboard exceeding safe storage limits and a failure to maintain proper fire breaks.

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However, following reports of recent vehicle movements, further inspections on 23 and 25 February found that additional waste had been brought onto the site and added to a pile roughly 6 metres high, both inside and outside the main shed.

The service of the notice was the latest incident involving the business, following a large fire at the site in September 2025 that involved household rubbish.

David Whitehead, station commander for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said "household rubbish" had made up part of the fire and crews used Blackpole Recycling machinery to ensure the blaze was fully extinguished.

Crews used machinery belonging to Blackpole Recycling to move material and ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

In a separate incident, the business was later fined £160,000 after a worker was injured when a loading shovel bucket fell during maintenance work.

Express.co.uk has contacted the company for comment.