Fine for Fly Tipping Landlord

A landlord renovating one of their properties has been found guilty of fly tipping construction and renovation materials.

The landlord used contractors to remove household waste, bricks, timber and tiles along with mattresses and carpets. The waste was found dumped a few miles away in the countryside.

The police and the local council brought a prosecution under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. The landlord admitted not carrying out the correct checks on the contractors including ensuring they had a Waste Carriers Licence. They were fined £1400 including costs and given a criminal record.

It is estimated that the cost to the taxpayer  for clearance of fly tipping  is £11.6 million a year. This is rising as instances increase.

This case highlights the importance of ensuring any contractors you employ to remove waste from your property are registered with the Environment Agency and hold a Waste Carrier Licence. The compliant contractor will also provide you with a Waste Transfer Note which you should keep for at least two years.

Please note the date this article was published as the law or the essence may have changed since it was posted. You should always seek independent legal advice if you are intending to rely on any of the contents.