Woman fined more than £700 for failing to prevent fly-tipping near St Austell
Nine bags of household waste found dumped less than a mile from her home
A 37-year-old woman has been ordered to pay more than £700 in fines, court costs and compensation, after household waste from her property was found fly-tipped on private land, near St Austell.
In March 2024, nine bags of rubbish were dumped at Carbean on private land. Cornwall Council officers traced the waste back to a property in Stenalees, less than a mile from where it had been discarded.
Samantha Rosevear, of Warren Court, Stenalees, told investigating officers she had paid someone on Facebook to remove the rubbish but failed to check whether the individual held a waste carrier’s licence.
Repeated failure to co-operate
Cornwall Council requested Rosevear provide details of the arrangement, including information about the person she hired and copies of relevant communications. Despite repeated warnings, she failed to cooperate.
In July 2024, she was served a legal notice requiring compliance with the investigation, but again ignored the request.
Court appearance
Rosevear faced charges at Bodmin Magistrates' Court on Monday, 24th November 2025, where she pleaded guilty to two offences:
Failing to comply with her householder’s duty of care to ensure waste was transferred to a licensed carrier (Environmental Protection Act 1990).
Failing to assist Cornwall Council enforcement officers investigating the matter (Environment Act 1995).
She was fined £240 (£120 for each offence) and ordered to pay additional costs, including:
£96 in victim surcharges (£48 for each offence).
£126.24 awarded to the landowner to cover waste clearance costs.
£250 awarded to Cornwall Council towards court costs.
Council statement
Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection at Cornwall Council, Councillor Thalia Marrington, criticised Rosevear for her lack of cooperation and highlighted the importance of investigating fly-tipping offences.
“This individual had multiple opportunities to provide the information requested and cooperate with our investigation. She chose to ignore our requests, which resulted in her being prosecuted for her actions," Marrington said.
“Fly-tipping and littering can have serious environmental consequences and costs Cornish taxpayers and landowners hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear up every year.
“When these types of offences do occur, we will always investigate and take action against those responsible.”
Advice for householders
Cornwall Council is urging residents to check whether individuals hired to dispose of waste hold an official waste carrier's licence. A public register is available on the Environment Agency’s website.
Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping is encouraged to report it via the Cornwall Council website, including evidence such as photos or videos to assist investigations.
Fly-tips obstructing a road should be reported to police by calling 999. Anonymous reports can also be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their website.