Published Wednesday 21 July 2021 at 12:33
Mr Damien Carl Cummings, of Manxman Road, Blackburn, has been fined over £1000 and had both his vehicles seized and crushed after they were linked to irresponsible waste-disposal at Woodcock Hill Farm.
Mr Cummings entered guilty pleas at Burnley Magistrates Court on 8th July 2021 in response to three separate allegations.
The first allegation is that on or around 1st June 2020 the defendant was in control of a black and white vehicle that was used to transport and deposit controlled waste onto land at Woodcock Hill Farm in Blackburn.
The second allegation, under the Control of Pollution Amendment Act, is that during a period between 31st May and 23rd July 2020 the defendant carried controlled waste without the benefit of a waste carriers licence in the course of a business or with a view to profit.
The third allegation is that between 2nd January 2020 and 10th June 2020 the accused, being in control of an Izuzu Tipper vehicle and black and white van vehicle, carried on a business as a scrap metal collector in the Blackburn area without obtaining the necessary licence to authorise this activity.
The two seized vehicles were subsequently crushed after the statutory notice period expired.
Mr Cummings was ordered to pay a total sum of £1040 – £140 in compensation to the landowner of Woodcock Hill Farm, £780 in compensation to Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and a £120 fine.
When deciding the sentence, the court took into account that the vehicles had been seized and crushed and therefore prioritised compensation over costs and fines.
Watch a video of the Executive Member for Environment and Waste at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Councillor Jim Smith, showing what happens when a vehicle is seized for fly-tipping below.
If you intend to employ someone to remove or dispose of your waste, then they need to be licensed to do so.
Waste carriers licenses are obtained via the Environment Agency. You can check via their website if someone is authorised.
Although many waste removal companies have a waste carrier’s license, this doesn’t always mean they are disposing of waste responsibly or legally.
In order to be absolutely certain that they are, you should obtain a waste transfer note and details of where the waste is being taken to for disposal.
We urge all residents to please ensure that any waste removal service they use is reputable, otherwise you are also liable for a fine.
Last year, the Environmental Waste Crime team received payment for 66 fixed penalty notices and handled 49 prosecutions, despite a sustained period of suspension to court services due to the pandemic.
The Council is also committed to educating and informing residents on the correct ways to responsibly dispose of waste, and the Environment and Waste team have employed an Education Officer to lead on this task.
Visit www.recyclebwd.org to find lots of helpful information, including what items go in what bin, tips and tricks when it comes to household rubbish and translated video guides. The website can also be accessed in many different languages.
If you’re struggling to remove bulky waste yourself, then book via our waste collection service – please DO NOT fly-tip or leave your items in back alleys.