Published Friday, 27th September 2024
A resident has been fined a total of £2,000 after Reigate & Banstead Borough Council took him to court for burning plastics and other waste in his backyard.
The case was heard on Monday12th August and the defendant entered guilty pleas for breach of a Community Protection Notice and operating as a waste facility with no environmental permit in place.
He had repeatedly disregarded warnings and advice, including a Community Protection Warning and a Community Protection Notice.
The premises were overran with rubbish
We take these complaints seriously
Cllr Rich Michalowski, Executive Member for Place, Planning and Regulatory Services said: “Illegal waste accumulation and burning pose serious risks to both public health and the environment, which is why we take these complaints so seriously. The court's decision, including the order to clear the waste and cover the Council’s costs, sends a clear message that anti-social and unneighbourly activities like this will not be tolerated. We will always take action to protect our residents and ensure our community remains safe and clean.”
Smoke from burning waste materials was impacting local residents with some of the waste spilling out onto a pavement frequently used by parents and children walking to school.
The court imposed a Remedial Order requiring the defendant to clear all of the accumulated waste from his garden areas within eight weeks and to cease burning. An order of £2,000 was made for the Council’s costs, and a payment plan imposed.
We advise any plastics are recycled or disposed of appropriately in plastics recycling bins or at a Community Recycling Centre. You can find out what to do with different types of waste on our website.