Swindon couple fined £600 for waste handed to unlicensed collector
The waste was founded dumped in a bus stop in Avebury
A couple from Swindon has been fined £600 after failing to verify the credentials of a waste collector who later illegally dumped their household garbage.
Wiltshire Council is now urging residents to make proper checks before using waste collection services as part of efforts to combat fly-tipping.
The couple paid £50 in cash to a man collecting scrap metal in the area to dispose of items including a washing machine, dryer, and bags of household waste.
The waste was later discovered in a bus stop in Avebury, leading Environmental Enforcement Officers to trace it back to the couple.
Councillor Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, stressed the importance of checking waste carriers' credentials.
He said, "This case is a clear reminder that failing to make even the simplest checks can lead directly to fly-tipping and a costly penalty."
Householders have a legal duty to ensure waste disposal aligns with regulations, including verifying a waste carrier's registration.
In this instance, the couple did not obtain details from the collector or confirm his status as a registered waste carrier.
Although an FPN is not equivalent to a court conviction, it serves as a serious reminder of householders' responsibilities.
The £600 fine has since been paid and the individuals involved remain unnamed, adhering to legal guidelines.
Wiltshire Council’s WTF: Stop at Source campaign highlights the risks of unlicensed waste collectors who target households, often via social media or door-to-door services promising cheap disposal without paperwork.
Cllr Smith reiterated the importance of conducting basic checks to avoid penalties and environmental harm.
He said, "A quick check of a waste carrier's credentials can prevent a great deal of damage and save you from a £600 fine."
Residents are encouraged to:
Check the waste carrier's registration with the Environment Agency
Record the vehicle registration, make, and model
Request a written receipt or waste transfer note detailing the waste disposal process
By adhering to these guidelines, residents can ensure their waste is disposed of responsibly and avoid contributing to fly-tipping.