Fined after items left outside found dumped
27/08/2021
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.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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