A Warrington resident has been ordered to pay more than £1,500 after pleading guilty to a fly-tipping related offence following an investigation by Warrington Borough Council.
Deborah Cartwright, of Dunnock Close, Warrington, appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court after council officers traced fly-tipped waste found in the Birchwood area back to her.
The investigation began after waste, including bin bags, carrier bags and other household refuse, was discovered dumped in a small area of woodland on Kingfisher Close.
During the investigation, Ms Cartwright was given opportunities to engage with council officers and provide an account of how the waste came to be unlawfully deposited. Admissions were subsequently made in relation to the waste, and a Fixed Penalty Notice was issued for failing to comply with requirements relating to the disposal of household waste.
When the Fixed Penalty Notice remained unpaid, the matter was referred to court.
At Warrington Magistrates’ Court, Ms Cartwright pleaded guilty to failing to comply with her household waste duty of care.
Taking account of the guilty plea, magistrates imposed a £120 fine, together with an £86 victim surcharge, prosecution costs of £729 and clean-up costs of £620, bringing the total financial penalty to £1,555.
Councillor John Kerr-Brown, Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Public Protection, said: “Residents have a legal duty to ensure that their household waste is disposed of responsibly. When evidence identifies those responsible for waste offences, the council will investigate and, where appropriate, take enforcement action, including through the courts.
“This case demonstrates that failing to meet those responsibilities can result in significant financial penalties.”
Residents have a legal duty of care to ensure their household waste is disposed of responsibly. This includes checking that anyone removing waste on their behalf is authorised to do so and is a registered waste carrier.
The council continues to investigate reports of fly-tipping and take enforcement action where evidence identifies those responsible.
Residents can report fly-tipping and find advice on responsible waste disposal by visiting warrington.gov.uk
