Gwendraeth men fined for not recycling
Two Gwendraeth Valley men have been fined by the courts for not complying with council’s recycling scheme.
Jason Paul Larkin and Lee Charles Holland from Maes Y Wern in Carway appeared before Ammanford Maguistrates Court charged with an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The court heard that the council’s contact centre had received numerous complaints regarding refuse at a property in Carway.
The council’s environmental enforcement officers visited the household on a number of occasions and found that there was a large quantity of both blue and black bags at the property; the blue bags contained non-recyclable items, and were also being put out for collection on the wrong week.
Despite a warning letter, the situation continued; and a notice was served compelling the householders to comply with the recycling scheme, however, Larkin ripped up the paperwork and became aggressive towards the officers, Holland was also present and started shouting abuse.
A fixed penalty notice was then served, but despite a number of attempts inviting both Larkin and Holland to attend the depot for an interview, the pair continually made excuses and failed to turn up.
Larkin, aged 23, and Holland, aged 22, pleaded guilty at court and magistrates fined the pair £170 and ordered them to pay £200 in prosecution costs.
It is now hoped that this case will act as a warning to other householders that if they fail to comply with the council’s kerbside recycling scheme they too will be prosecuted.
Head of Street Scene David Hughes said: “The majority of residents co-operate fully with the council’s recycling scheme, however, there us a small minority that refuse to take part or deliberately put the wrong materials in their bags or put them out on the wrong week.
“If householders make a genuine mistake then they will receive advice and no action will be taken, but persistent offenders will be prosecuted.
“Carmarthenshire, like all local authorities, must reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and increase its recycling rate or face hefty fines. The co-operation of householders is vital.”
For further information on the council’s green bin/blue bag recycling scheme visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.
Jason Paul Larkin and Lee Charles Holland from Maes Y Wern in Carway appeared before Ammanford Maguistrates Court charged with an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The court heard that the council’s contact centre had received numerous complaints regarding refuse at a property in Carway.
The council’s environmental enforcement officers visited the household on a number of occasions and found that there was a large quantity of both blue and black bags at the property; the blue bags contained non-recyclable items, and were also being put out for collection on the wrong week.
Despite a warning letter, the situation continued; and a notice was served compelling the householders to comply with the recycling scheme, however, Larkin ripped up the paperwork and became aggressive towards the officers, Holland was also present and started shouting abuse.
A fixed penalty notice was then served, but despite a number of attempts inviting both Larkin and Holland to attend the depot for an interview, the pair continually made excuses and failed to turn up.
Larkin, aged 23, and Holland, aged 22, pleaded guilty at court and magistrates fined the pair £170 and ordered them to pay £200 in prosecution costs.
It is now hoped that this case will act as a warning to other householders that if they fail to comply with the council’s kerbside recycling scheme they too will be prosecuted.
Head of Street Scene David Hughes said: “The majority of residents co-operate fully with the council’s recycling scheme, however, there us a small minority that refuse to take part or deliberately put the wrong materials in their bags or put them out on the wrong week.
“If householders make a genuine mistake then they will receive advice and no action will be taken, but persistent offenders will be prosecuted.
“Carmarthenshire, like all local authorities, must reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and increase its recycling rate or face hefty fines. The co-operation of householders is vital.”
For further information on the council’s green bin/blue bag recycling scheme visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk or call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.
Comments