A County Durham woman has been fined after allowing someone else to illegally dump her rubbish on a countryside track. Rebecca Wilson, 34, of Park Road, South Moor in Stanley, was fined £120 after household waste she had asked someone to dispose of was found fly-tipped on a farm track in Burnhope.
Investigation and legal action
Officers from Durham County Council discovered the waste after responding to a report of a fly tip in January. Investigating the site, they found evidence among the dumped items that pointed to Wilson.
The council sent a hand-delivered letter asking Wilson to make contact, but received no response. In February, a formal section 108 notice was served at her address, requesting she attend an interview later that month. Wilson did not attend the interview and made no attempt to contact officers about the waste.
Court hearing and penalty
At Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, Wilson pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted full responsibility. The court heard she had instructed someone to deal with the waste and had "acted in good faith", with no intention of dumping it unlawfully. It was also stated that she did not receive any letters because she had moved sometime in February.
Wilson was fined £120, ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £48 and costs of £621, totalling £789.
Council warning on waste disposal
Ian Hoult, Durham County Council's neighbourhood protection manager, said: "This case is a prime example of why it's important to take extra care when asking someone to get rid of your waste.
"Make sure they are a legitimate business, ask where they are taking it to, and make sure to get a receipt. If it's your waste, it is your responsibility.
"Much like this case, you may be acting in good faith, with no intention of dumping waste illegally, but if you don't take extra care when instructing others, you can land yourself with a hefty bill. It also demonstrates why it is important to attend an interview with us when we request it, so we can understand the complete facts.
"To avoid this, dispose of household waste yourself at one of our many Household Waste Recycling Centres for free. Taking a bit of time out of your week may save you a lot of money."
