TUF Dongen faces a conditional fine of 10,000 euros and a community service sentence of 160 hours for the female manager of the company for contravening the Dutch environmental laws.

According to the Public Prosecution Service the company illegally stored synthetic turf mats at multiple premises in the south of the Netherlands. It was established that a total of 24.5 million kilos of discarded synthetic turf was stored without a permit.

Late 2018, a fire destroyed much of the premises. According to a local newspaper, fire-accelerating agents were found during an investigation by the authorities. However, despite strong indications that the fire was started deliberately, the DA made it clear that the involvement by company management in the fire has not been proven.

In May this year, companies TopGrass and Gubbels were awarded the contract to clear the site in Dongen. At the time, the companies estimated that it would take 300 truckloads to remove the 10,000 tonnes sand and infill. These materials are taken to a raw material and residue depot only a few kilometres away. The carpets are shredded with the intention to reclaim all viable components.

Shortly before the start of the clearing, the companies were informed that TUF also had stored infill and carpets at a second location. Here they had stored 16,000 tonnes carpets and 5,000 tonnes infill.

Nevertheless, the companies are confident that the site in Dongen will be cleared by May 2021.

TUF is technically bankrupt and has yet to be settled with other creditors.