Faux waste removal men threat

A businessman from Lincoln has learned the hard way about the perils of using illegal waste removal services.

There are specific laws in place which ensure that waste is removed safely and correctly, to avoid pollution and waste in incorrect areas. Failure to adhere to these laws will result in penalties, as John Spencer from Lincoln found out.

Mr Spencer is the owner of a Premier store in Birchwood - a housing estate in the South of Lincoln.

The shop had some unwanted fittings which Mr Spencer wished to get rid of. Instead of following the proper route (i.e. going through the council), Mr Spencer allowed two men to take away his waste.

This procedure cost Mr Spencer just £70, and appeared to be quick and easy.

However, the unwanted fittings were later found by the police on Hooks Lane near the village Willingore, in Lincolnshire.

Council officers could identify the origins of the fittings very easily as a quick search through the waste documentation lead to evidence relating to the Oakwood store.

What seemed like an innocent and cheap exchange ended up costing Mr Spencer £1,126.

John Spencer was fined £440, forced to pay costs of £671 and given a victim surcharge of £15.

These charges were enforced even after Mr Spencer's full cooperation with the council.

He was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, the charge of section 34(1) Environmental Protection Act 1990, which asserts that individuals must undergo the necessary steps to ensure that their waste is being disposed of by an authorised carrier.

Councillor Richard Wright from North Kesteven District Council said to This is Lincolnshire: "We cannot stress enough how important it is that people check who they are letting take away their belongings for waste disposal.

"It is difficult when the waste has come from outside of the district but we have to keep our message clear, there is no excuse for fly-tipping in our district."

Posted by Joseph Hutton