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£1,200 fine for illegal fly tipping

This news article was published more than a year ago. Some of the information may no longer be accurate.

Published: 01/04/2014


Richard Thomas, 59, of 2 Eastcourt Gardens, Park Road Stapleton was sentenced at Northavon Magistrates Court on 26 March following an investigation by South Gloucestershire Council’s Environmental Crime enforcement team.

The court heard that Mr Thomas had been observed emptying two builders’ bags of waste at the site in September 2013.

Video footage of the incident taken by a passerby was later passed to council officers who launched an investigation.

Mr Thomas was fined £690 with £450 costs and a victim surcharge of £69, totalling £1,209.

Chair of the council’s Communities Committee Cllr Claire Young said: “Fly tipping is an eyesore, can be hazardous to residents and creates costs for tax payers who ultimately have to pay for its removal.

“It’s easy to dispose of household or garden waste legally at our Sort IT!* centres so there really is no excuse for this behaviour.

“I commend the local resident who reported this crime and hope this prosecution will serve as a reminder to anyone involved in the illegal dumping of waste that if you fly tip rubbish in South Gloucestershire, you will be prosecuted.”

Residents can be liable for waste which is dumped illegally by another party, and could be fined up to £5,000. Any residents considering hiring a firm to dispose of waste are encouraged to:

• Ask for a copy of the company’s waste carrier registration certificate and ask where the waste is being taken. Legitimate firms will be happy to provide this information.

• Check whether the waste carrier is registered by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or by checking on their website.

• Ask for a registered trading address and contact telephone number for the trader and get a receipt.

Unwanted goods and household or garden waste can all be disposed of at no cost via the council’s Sort IT!* centres.

Residents who see illegal fly tipping are encouraged to report it by contacting the Street Care helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailingstreetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping


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