Resident fined for rubbish dumped outside own home

Telford & Wrekin Council’s enforcement team has successfully prosecuted a resident for failing to dispose of household waste responsibly, reinforcing the Council’s commitment to tackling environmental crime and protecting communities.

Waste was placed outside the defendant’s house due to a lack of bin space and concerns about storing it in the garden, citing the presence of two young children.

However, the defendant pleaded guilty to an offence under Section 34(2A)(6) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and admitted taking not taking appropriate steps to ensure the safe disposal of household waste, which was left in a public area, posing a risk to hygiene.

During sentencing, the court heard how the fly-tip could have attracted vermin such as mice and posed a health hazard to the community. The court imposed a total penalty of £1,484.94

Councillor Richard Overton, (Lab) Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing & Enforcement said: “This was completely avoidable and a clear-cut case.Everyone has a duty to dispose of their waste responsibly.

“The outcome sends a clear message that we will not tolerate environmental offences that put our communities at risk. Our enforcement teams will investigate and act where necessary to keep our borough clean and safe.”

Residents are reminded that the Council offers a bulky waste collection service and encourages anyone struggling with waste disposal to contact the Council for advice and support. The borough’s two Household Recycling Centres (HRCs) are open seven days a week, 9am to 5pm, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Garden waste can also be taken to the HRCs and there is a year-round, fortnightly, free green bin collection.