Woman fined for black bag offence
A Burry Port woman has been fined after dumping a black bag at the town’s recycling site.
Lauren Gaynor Mills, aged 20, of Dandorlan Road, pleaded guilty by post to an offence under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 at Ammanford Magistrates Court.
The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The court heard that the council’s environmental enforcement officers were inspecting the 'bring' site in Burry Port and discovered a number of black bags containing household waste. The officers examined the bags and discovered documents and paperwork relating to Mills in one of them.
The officers contacted Mills who admitted leaving a black bag of waste at the site after cleaning out her car. She said she did not realise she was committing an offence and did not see the signage there.
Mills was given the option of a fixed penalty notice, which she accepted. However, no payment was received.
As a result, Mills was fined £90 by magistrates and ordered to pay £50 towards prosecution costs.
It is now hoped this case will act as a warning to others. Unfortunately, fly-tipping is becoming an increasing problem at bring sites across the county.
Some residents are using them as a dumping ground for all types of household waste.
Executive board member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “We are very disappointed that the bring sites are being misused in this way as they are important facilities for communities.
“The council is trying to encourage people to recycle as much of their waste as possible and reduce the amount going to landfill.
“Only glass, paper, cans, clothes and shoes can be taken to the sites for recycling, but people are dumping all kinds of rubbish there. This will not be tolerated and anyone caught will be prosecuted.”
Environmental enforcement officers regularly patrol the bring sites. More serious offences could result in fines of up to £50,000 and/or up to five years in prison.
Director of Technical Services Richard Workman added: “We are determined to improve the quality of the environment for both residents and visitors to Carmarthenshire. We do not want to fine people but will not hesitate to do so if they continue to spoil the county in this way.”
Lauren Gaynor Mills, aged 20, of Dandorlan Road, pleaded guilty by post to an offence under the Refuse Disposal (Amenity) Act 1978 at Ammanford Magistrates Court.
The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The court heard that the council’s environmental enforcement officers were inspecting the 'bring' site in Burry Port and discovered a number of black bags containing household waste. The officers examined the bags and discovered documents and paperwork relating to Mills in one of them.
The officers contacted Mills who admitted leaving a black bag of waste at the site after cleaning out her car. She said she did not realise she was committing an offence and did not see the signage there.
Mills was given the option of a fixed penalty notice, which she accepted. However, no payment was received.
As a result, Mills was fined £90 by magistrates and ordered to pay £50 towards prosecution costs.
It is now hoped this case will act as a warning to others. Unfortunately, fly-tipping is becoming an increasing problem at bring sites across the county.
Some residents are using them as a dumping ground for all types of household waste.
Executive board member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “We are very disappointed that the bring sites are being misused in this way as they are important facilities for communities.
“The council is trying to encourage people to recycle as much of their waste as possible and reduce the amount going to landfill.
“Only glass, paper, cans, clothes and shoes can be taken to the sites for recycling, but people are dumping all kinds of rubbish there. This will not be tolerated and anyone caught will be prosecuted.”
Environmental enforcement officers regularly patrol the bring sites. More serious offences could result in fines of up to £50,000 and/or up to five years in prison.
Director of Technical Services Richard Workman added: “We are determined to improve the quality of the environment for both residents and visitors to Carmarthenshire. We do not want to fine people but will not hesitate to do so if they continue to spoil the county in this way.”
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