Hull City Council has successfully prosecuted four residents for a number of environmental crimes across the city.
Councillor Alan Clark, portfolio holder for enforcement said:
By taking a tough stance on enforcement we can deter any potential offenders, and we encourage members of the public not to shrink from reporting any perpetrators they see. We will prosecute, and when convicted we will name and shame in the hope that we can stamp out this anti-social behaviour.
Dumping is a crime, help us and make those who do it pay for it. See it, report it, stop it.
David Towler of Victoria Avenue, Granville Street, Hull was prosecuted and ordered to pay £1,205 (£440 fine, £44 victim surcharge, and £721 investigation and clean-up costs) for failing to comply with a statutory notice served under Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This notice was served by the council in response to a complaint concerning the condition of the defendants property. The defendant failed to respond to any formal warning or legal notice, and works were carried out in default. These costs were subsequently recovered as part of its prosecution.
Claire Floater and Jodi Miller both of Dover Street, Hull were prosecuted and ordered to pay a total of £559 each (£440 fine, £44 victim surcharge and £75 costs) for an offence contrary to Section 110(2)(b) Environment Act 1995. This case was brought forward following a complaint from a member of the public concerning waste that has been found dumped on Raglan Street, Hull. Following an inspection, evidence was found linking Miss Floater to the offence. The council contacted both defendants who failed to respond to any communication. As a result, a decision was taken to serve a notice under Section 108 Environment Act 1995.
Scott Hailstone of Farnella Close, Selby Street, Hull was prosecuted and ordered to pay a total of £350 (£120 fine, £30 victim surcharge and £200 costs) for failing to produce a valid waste carriers licence. In accordance with Section 5(7) Control of Pollution Amendment Act 1989, all persons who collect, deal and transport wastes are lawfully required to register with the Environment Agency as a waste carrier. This case was brought forward following wastes that were found unlawfully deposited on James Reckitt Avenue. Under Section 34 Environmental Protection Act 1990 a range of legal obligations are also imposed on waste holders to take reasonable steps to ensure wastes are lawfully managed.
If you are unsure of how to dispose of your excess rubbish, see our handy guide of dos and donts below:
DO:
Dispose of excess household rubbish using one of the councils free house waste and recycling centres
If you pay someone to take your waste, then check that they are registered carriers by asking for a copy of their certificate, or via https://www.gov.uk/find-registered-waste-carrier or by calling03708 506 506
Ask where the rubbish will be disposed of. If they say a facility provided by the council, then do not give them your waste as this is illegal
Record any details of the persons and vehicle used to remove your waste e.g. registration number, make, model, colour etc.
Always get a receipt (also known as a controlled waste transfer notes that will confirm where the wastes have come from, who they are, how its being removed and transported and where its being taken to be disposed or recycled)
If possible, try and pay by cheque as it can be traced and keep a description (ideally take pictures) of the rubbish being removed
DONT:
Use anyone who cold calls at your property or leaves a card it is your responsibility to do the relevant checks
Give anyone your rubbish without first checking they are authorised to take your waste
Assume people who advertise online, in the local media or shops are legitimate – always check before giving them your rubbish
Give your rubbish to anyone that you do not trust or suspect may be acting unlawfully
Be fooled. If the price sounds too good to be true, then it probably is, and remember this will end up costing you more in court fines and costs