Baldock woman prosecuted after massive fly-tipping near Letchworth

Some of the items fly-tipped in Willian. Picture: North Herts District Council (Image: Archant)

Norma Garside, of Chiltern Road in Baldock, paid two men £60 to dispose of the assortment of rubbish on April 24 last year. They then dumped it at Manor Wood car park in Willian.

North Herts District Council environmental crime officers traced the fly-tipping back to her through documents in the rubbish that were addressed to her, with the district council subsequently launching a prosecution.

Appearing before Stevenage magistrates, Garside – who had not asked if the men had a waste carrier licence allowing them to legally dispose of the waste for her – pleaded guilty to failing in her duty of care to ensure the rubbish was properly disposed of.

Chairman of the bench Greg Stewart fined her £160 and ordered her to pay £165 costs and £30 surcharge – a total of £355.

Some of the items fly-tipped in Willian. Picture: North Herts District Council (Image: Archant)

Councillor Bernard Lovewell, who is responsible for environmental health at the district council, said: “This case highlights the importance of thoroughly checking that the people you are paying to remove your waste are legitimate and officially licensed to do so.

“Ultimately if it is your waste, you are responsible for it – so either dispose of it responsibly yourself or use a licensed carrier.

“Don’t get caught out. Protect yourself and take a few minutes to make the appropriate checks.”

If you’re looking to dispose of rubbish, the district council advises you to:

• Ask the waste carrier to provide you with their full address and telephone number

• Ask to see their waste carrier licence issued by the Environment Agency

• Contact the Environment Agency directly on 08708 506 506 and ask for a free instant Waste Carrier Validation Check, or check on the Environment Agency website at gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency.