A man from Ystradgynlais has been fined hundreds of pounds after dumping a large quantity of household waste on a mountain overlooking the Swansea Valley.
Waste enforcement officers from Neath Port Talbot council discovered the waste near Gwrhyd Road, Rhiwfawr, on April 7, 2026. Footage from the scene showed a large pile of furniture and other household items dumped in the mountainous area.
Among the items discovered were a fridge-freezer, an arcade gaming machine, a gaming chair, and various scraps of metal and plastic.
Investigation Links Waste to Local Man
Council officers launched an investigation, which linked the waste to 41-year-old Wayne Thompson, of Brecon Road, Ystradgynlais. Following inquiries and a formal interview under caution, Thompson admitted responsibility for illegally depositing the waste shown in evidence gathered by officers.
Thompson appeared before Swansea Magistrates' Court on September 17, 2026, where he pleaded guilty to depositing controlled waste without lawful authority, contrary to Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Fine and Costs Imposed
He was fined £440 and ordered to pay a £176 victim surcharge, along with £631.76 in prosecution costs, totalling £1,247.76.
After the hearing, councillor Scott Jones, cabinet member for streetscene, said: "Fly-tipping blights our communities, damages the environment, and costs taxpayers’ money to clear up.
"This successful prosecution demonstrates that Neath Port Talbot council will investigate incidents thoroughly and take appropriate enforcement action against those responsible.
"We would encourage anyone who witnesses fly-tipping to report it so that we can continue to take action against offenders and help keep our communities clean and safe."
Reporting Environmental Offences
Anyone who witnesses fly-tipping or has information regarding environmental offences can report it via their respective local council's website or by contacting the council directly.
