Check before you chuck! £600 fine for resident who didn’t check ‘man with a van’ was a licensed waste carrier

A resident has been hit with a £600 fine for failing to make sure their rubbish was removed by a licensed waste carrier.

Environmental Crime Officers from South Cambridgeshire District Council found the resident had failed in their Duty of Care after their waste was discovered dumped in Orchard Park, Cambridgeshire.

Evidence was tucked amongst the waste that led to their home in South Cambridgeshire.

Enquiries were made into how it came to be dumped at the location, and the owners were formally interviewed under caution.  During the interview it was established that the household had failed in their duty of care in checking the person taking away their rubbish was licenced to handle household waste.

Following an investigation, officers from South Cambridgeshire District Council issued a Fixed Penalty Notice of £600 for the offence of failing to ensure that all reasonable measures were taken by the household to prevent anyone else committing a fly tipping offence with it.

The fine of £600 can be reduced to £360 if paid within 10 days.

Councillor Natalie Warren Green, Lead Cabinet Member for Environmental Services for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “This case highlights the critical importance of taking every precaution to manage household waste responsibly. It is essential for residents to verify that any waste carriers are registered with the Environment Agency and to ensure that proper documentation accompanies the waste. Neglecting these duties not only harms our environment but also puts residents at risk of substantial fines or legal action.”

Key Takeaways for Residents

• Verify Waste Carriers: Always check that anyone hired to remove waste is properly registered with the Environment Agency. Verification can be done through the public register.
• Document Transfer: Ensure that written documentation is provided, detailing the type of waste and its intended disposal method.
• Secure Your Waste: It is legally required to take all reasonable measures to secure household waste until it is collected by an authorised waste carrier. Failing to do so can result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £600.

Report fly-tipping to our online reporting page.