A Rotherham man has been ordered to pay more than £750 following a Rotherham Council investigation into fly-tipping offences.
Matrus Gudjan, from Eastwood, was fined after waste he paid to be removed from his property was illegally dumped.
The investigation began after the Council received information from a resident reporting suspected fly-tipping linked to a property in Eastwood.
Council teams attended the address on the same morning and carried out enquiries. Council staff established that Mr Gudjan had paid an unknown man £100 to remove waste from the property the previous evening.
Residents are legally required to take reasonable steps to ensure anyone removing their waste is authorised to do so. Failing to carry out these checks can result in prosecution if the waste is subsequently fly tipped.
Residents should always ask to see a waste carrier’s licence before allowing anyone to remove waste from their property.
A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) was issued to Mr Gudjan, but it was not paid, leading to the case being heard at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court where he was ordered to pay £758.82.
Councillor Sarah Allen, Cabinet Member for Communities at Rotherham Council, said: "This case highlights the importance of checking that anyone you pay to remove your waste is properly licensed to do so. While it may seem like a quick and convenient solution, householders have a legal responsibility to make sure their waste is handled correctly.
“Where a waste collector is found to have fly-tipped waste, the Council will take appropriate action. This can include fines up to £1,000 or prosecution, which can result in custodial sentences.”
"The successful outcome in this case was made possible through information provided by local residents and the swift action of Council officers. Working together helps us tackle environmental crime and protect our communities."
Residents are encouraged to continue reporting fly-tipping and other environmental crime to the Council. Information provided by the public helps officers investigate offences and take action against those responsible while keeping our neighbourhood safe for everyone.
You can report fly-tipping here.
