Following investigations undertaken by the Street Scene Protection Team of a fly-tip, Braintree District Council has successfully prosecuted an individual through the court.
On 2 November 2023, a 39-year-old businessman from Great Notley in Braintree, was sentenced at Colchester Magistrates Court for two offences of fly-tipping.
In November 2021, following work carried out at a property by his company, he unlawfully deposited a barbeque, and was subsequently captured on camera fly-tipping builders’ waste onto a public footpath in Bradwell, Braintree in the same month.
The gentleman had entered a guilty plea at a previous hearing and appeared before the court for sentencing. He was fined £3,231.00, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £190.00 and pay the Council’s costs of £4,399.30.
Councillor Tom Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Transformation, the Environment and Customer Services, and Deputy Leader at Braintree District Council, said: “When it comes to fly-tipping, we take a zero-tolerance approach. We investigate all incidents to look for evidence to try and hold the individuals to account for their irresponsible action.
“I am pleased that on this occasion, we secured a positive outcome to the offences that were committed, demonstrating that we take things seriously and the fines issued by the court will help to deter similar offences from being committed.”
Braintree District Council urges residents to remember that, if they ask a third party to dispose of their waste for them, they still have responsibility to ensure that it is disposed of correctly.
There are some easy checks people can carry out to ensure they protect themselves and the environment:
1. If you use a trader to remove your waste, ask to see their Waste Carriers Licence Registration Number issued by the Environment Agency
Ask for their waste carrier number and vehicle details and contact the Environment Agency for a free instant waste carrier check.
Ensure that you receive a transfer notice or receipt before your waste is taken away
2. Check where your waste is going
Being a registered waste carrier means the person can legally remove your rubbish, but you still need to check what is going to happen to it. A legitimate waste carrier should not object to you asking these questions.
- Protect yourself by taking care with your waste
Make a note of who you have given your waste to, their waste carrier details and vehicle details.
Residents can report any instances of fly-tipping, dumped rubbish or litter to Braintree District Council, online at www.braintree.gov.uk/flytipping or email csc@braintree.gov.uk
Dash-cam footage, pictures or any other information can be sent to: streetscene.enforcement@braintree.gov.uk
People can also call the Council’s Customer Service Centre on 01376 552525. The information will be treated in confidence.
For further advice visit the Love Essex website: https://www.loveessex.org/news-and-ideas/your-rubbish-your-responsibility/