Fined after items left outside found dumped

Householders warned they have a duty of care with items they place outside their homes for others

Leaving items outside your house so anyone who wants them can take them could land you with a fine.   That’s the warning from Cherwell District Council after one householder had to pay £200 when their items were found dumped.

The Banbury resident had placed furniture and household items outside their home with a sign saying they were ‘free to take’.   The items were later found dumped in a nearby alleyway.

After the items disappeared the resident assumed that someone had taken them and was unable to give a reason why they were found in the alleyway.

Illegal waste disposal in a public place is an offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months’ imprisonment if convicted in a magistrates’ court. The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to five years’ imprisonment for perpetrators convicted in a crown court.

In this case, after consideration of the possible offences committed, the resident paid a £200 fine for failing in their duty of care, as an alternative to being prosecuted.

Councillor Dan Sames, Cherwell District Council’s Lead Member for Clean and Green, said: “It’s important that residents ensure that their unwanted items are disposed of properly to avoid the risk of them being dumped elsewhere by third parties and then being liable for a fine.

“Whilst in this case, the resident had the best of intentions by leaving items outside their property with a ‘free to a good home’ sign they had no idea of where the items would end up. Making use of Cherwell’s bulky item collection service or taking them to either a charity shop or recycling centre are much safer options and will avoid residents being issued with a fine.”

Anyone with information about fly-tipping in the district should contact Cherwell District Council on 01295 227007.

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Published: 27/08/2021 09:26am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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