Wellingborough man fined more than £1,200 after fly-tipped waste found in East Northamptonshire

In July 2015, the waste team at East Northamptonshire Council received a report of a very large pile of cardboard and wood, which could have easily been recycled, but had been fly-tipped on the B645 between Chelveston and Hargrave.

An investigation found that some Wellingborough residents had knowingly allowed their rubbish to be removed by an unlicensed individual and so had committed an offence under the Control of Pollution Act.

As a result, they were offered the opportunity to pay a fixed penalty notice of £300 each.

Jason Chalmers refused to accept the penalty so the matter was then referred to Northampton Magistrates Court.

Mr Chalmers was found guilty of failing to provide proof that he had used a registered waste carrier on January 5 this year and was fined a total of £1,260.

Steven North, leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “It’s important for residents to understand that we are all responsible for our own waste.

“If someone offers to remove your household rubbish for you, always check that they are a registered waste carrier.

“If they dispose of the waste illegally, you as the householder will still be liable and will face prosecution.”

East Northamptonshire Council’s waste manager, Charlotte Tompkins, said there are ways to avoid a hefty fine and said: “Legitimate waste collectors will be happy to provide you with their full name, address, phone number and waste carrier license.

“You can ask where they will take your waste and request a headed receipt for the work provided.

“Finally, take a note of the registration number of the vehicle that removes your waste.”

If you see anybody fly-tipping, you can report it online at www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/flytipping or call 01832 742026.

The more information you can give about the person, the type of waste and when and where it happened, the better chance the authority has of prosecuting.