A Newtown man has pleaded guilty to failing to ensure building waste was disposed of by an authorised person.
The waste was flytipped on a forestry commission track at Glyncorrwg in Port Talbot.
Gavin Paul Beesley of Stoneybroke, Canal Road, Newtown, a self employed contractor, appeared before Neath Magistrates Court charged with an offence under Section 34 of the Environment Protection Act 1990 which states where waste is given to a third party to dispose of, checks should be made to ensure that person is authorised to take the waste away.
Prosecuting on behalf of the Council, Solicitor Nigel Jones told the court that Mr Beesley had refurbished a property in Tonypandy, payment for which included the disposal of any waste. Mr Beesley admitted to the court that he was aware of his responsibilities and that a licence was required for the disposal of building waste. He had arranged for someone else to take away his building waste at a cheaper cost.
He must now pay a fine of £700 and costs amounting to £305 as well as a victim surcharge of £15.
The Magistrates confirmed that they had taken into consideration his early guilty plea and clean character which led to the fine being reduced from £1000.
Enforcement Officer Leighton Case advises householders and businesses to ensure that people are authorised to take away waste by simply asking to see their waste carrier’s licence and by obtaining a transfer note for each consignment. Checks can be made with the Environment Agency on 0870 8506 506 or by visiting www.environment-agency.gov.uk/epr
He said on this occasion Mr Beesley elected to use an unauthorised person stating that ‘the price was right’.
“If the price quoted is too good to be true it usually follows that the waste will be illegally dumped.
“The cheapest quote could land you in court.”
Council Leader Ali Thomas said the dumping of waste will not be tolerated in Neath Port Talbot.
“The Council has a zero tolerance policy and cleaning up dumped waste costs the council taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds each year,” he said.
“It can have a detrimental effect on the environment and the quality of lives of residents.
“I am pleased to see the positive outcomes from court and I hope the message comes across that people must be responsible for the secure disposal of their rubbish.”
