Waste carrier fined and given community service for large countryside fly-tip
Last updated: 11/1/2025
The director of a Nottingham-based waste removal company has been fined and given community service for an illegal fly-tip in otherwise unspoilt countryside in Rushcliffe.
The waste removal company charged a landlord to remove and dispose of waste from a house in Whitemoor in the city that was undergoing a renovation but then hired a sub-contractor to remove the items on their behalf which resulted in the eyesore.
Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC) discovered the large tip in a rural layby on Westhorpe in Willoughby on the Wolds and found a letter in the waste addressed to the property, which assisted in tracking down the company hired by the landlord.
The waste contained a significant number of bags of builder’s rubble, plaster, bricks, cabinets, doors, tiles, carpets, toilet cistern, wood and skirting, clothes, toys, items of furniture, a pushchair and a car seat.
There was also roof felting, a garden shed, bathtub, hoses, plumbing pipes, and bags of general litter all left blighting the countryside location in May 2024.
Although the waste removal company were licensed waste carriers themselves, they did not make the necessary checks to ensure the driver was also a registered carrier and then failed to disclose the identity of the offender.
As a result RBC issued a £400 Fixed Penalty Notice to the director for failing his legal responsibility under section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
He was also referred to the Immediate Justice Programme where he engaged in seven hours of community work including removing graffiti and litter picking instead of facing criminal charges and court proceedings.
RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said: “We take a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and it’s really important we deter these incidents from taking place by taking action whenever we can so we can protect public areas and keep them clean, safe and accessible to all residents.
“We’re pleased our Neighbourhood Officers were able to track down the company responsible for this fly-tip in Willoughby on the Wolds, it was horrendous to see one of our beautiful local country lanes blighted by waste from a house renovation.
“Although the company was licensed, the director employed an unauthorised person to remove the waste on their behalf and failing in his duty of care when not making the necessary enquiries to ensure they were also a licensed waste carrier.
“It’s appalling behaviour and completely irresponsible for the company director to not come forward with the identity of the offender they hired for the job.
“The company director was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice and ordered to do community work for his irresponsible actions. We’d like to remind everyone fines will always follow where evidence leads back to those who have illegally dumped items or in this case, who are responsible for the waste removal.”
Residents and companies use registered waste carriers should always check the following when employing anyone to take away waste from any premises:
- Ensure any Waste Company, Carrier or Dealer is registered by visiting the Environment Agency website.
- Once confirming that they are registered, ask where they are taking the waste. They should name a legal waste site which can be checked on the public register. You can also ask for a copy of the paperwork confirming they took it there.
- Don’t pay cash. Businesses presenting you with an invoice, including their bank details for bank transfer, are far more likely to be operating legally. Make sure you get a receipt.
For further information please contact RBC or visit the central government’s website on waste duty of care.