Trowbridge businessman fined for waste disposal failure
Business owners have a legal responsibility to dispose of commercial waste correctly
A business owner from Trowbridge has been fined for failing to dispose of his waste in line with his legal responsibilities.
Mohammed Zekri, of Haden Road, admitted to paying another person £350 in cash to remove the waste without checking whether they were licensed or obtaining any waste transfer documentation.
The rubbish was later found fly-tipped on Drynham Lane, North Bradley.
The council has not been able to find the individual Mr Zekri paid to remove the waste, before fly tipping it.
He appeared at Court and was ordered to pay £347.79 in fines and compensation. A five-day prison sentence was also imposed by default, but Mr Zekri will only spend time behind bars if he fails to pay the fine.
Businesses have a legal duty of care to ensure their waste is managed responsibly. This includes:
- Ensuring waste is only handed to licensed carriers.
- Keeping waste transfer notes for two years.
- Not presenting commercial waste as domestic waste.
- Registering as a waste carrier if transporting their own waste - even in small quantities.
Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, said: "Fly-tipping is a serious offence that damages our environment, endangers wildlife, and places an unnecessary burden on local taxpayers.
"This case demonstrates that failing to meet your legal responsibilities around waste disposal, whether knowingly or through negligence, can and will result in prosecution.
"Everyone, including business owners, must take responsibility for how their waste is handled. If you don't take the proper steps, you could face a fine, a criminal record, or even prison time."