Published: Friday, 6th September 2024
A fly-tipper who took a householder’s waste that was later found dumped is nearly £500 worse off after he was prosecuted by the Borough Council.
Carl Crawford, of School Road, Terrington St John, was fined a total of £463 for dumping waste next to Lynn Road in Walpole Highway.
He had denied dumping the waste but accepted responsibility for the fact that it was not properly handled. He was initially issued with a fixed penalty notice but when he did not pay it, the council prosecuted.
The householder was also issued with a £200 fixed penalty notice, reduced to £150 for prompt payment, for failing to ensure that his rubbish was properly disposed of.
The Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Coastal, and also the local Ward Member, Sandra Squire, said: “Dumping rubbish is a blight on our beautiful West Norfolk countryside and a detriment to the local environment. It is also a criminal offence.
“What fly-tippers fail to realise is that we can often identify the source of the rubbish. In this case it led back to both the householder and the person they had paid to get rid of it.
“Both have ended up paying for their actions, which just goes to emphasise our consistent message that fly-tipping doesn’t pay: it’s #cheaperatthetip.”
The council advises householders to follow the ‘SCRAP’ advice when disposing of rubbish:
Suspect all waste carriers. Don't let them take your rubbish until they provide proof of registration. Note their vehicle's registration plate.
Check that a waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency's website.
Refuse any unexpected offers to have your rubbish taken away.
Ask how your rubbish will be disposed of - seek evidence of this.
Paperwork must be obtained: a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carrier’s contact details.