Wakefield Council sends warning to fly-tippers
Tuesday, October 01, 2024
Wakefield Council is sending a warning that fly-tipping will not be tolerated in the district.
Since January 2023, six vehicles have been seized and crushed after being caught dumping waste illegally.
“We hope this sends a clear message to anyone thinking about fly-tipping in the Wakefield district. It will not be tolerated, and you stand to lose use of your vehicle and face criminal proceedings.
“We urge all residents to ensure that they are using registered waste collectors to get rid of their rubbish. Remember to always ask, record and keep information on anyone you are using to dispose of your waste.
“The Council offers a range of household and commercial waste collection services, including skip hire and collection of “bulky” items. As well as operating Household Waste Recycling Centres in partnership with Renewi. There is no reason for anyone to dispose of waste illegally and cause fly-tipping. Anyone who does so may face legal action.”
Cllr Jack Hemingway
Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change
In one case, Luke Pajo, age 28, of 34 Princess Street, Wakefield pleaded guilty to fly-tipping offences at Kirklees Magistrates Court on Monday 4 September 2023, following investigations by Wakefield Council officers.
Following proactive patrols in the Stanley area, waste was found dumped on land off Newmarket Lane. A test purchase by council officers led to more waste collected by Mr Pajo being fly-tipped on the border with Leeds.
Members of the public also reported more waste dumped on Princess Street, Wakefield. The vehicle used in each offence was owned by Mr Pajo, who does not have a waste carriers’ licence.
In court, Mr Pajo was fined £1,386 and a victim surcharge of £554. He was also ordered to pay costs of £3,495.03 to cover investigation time and legal costs, totalling £5,435.03.
Wakefield Council were also successful in applying for a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order.
Mr Pajo did not contest the seizure of his vehicle at court and therefore it was crushed.
To find out more about the work the Council is doing to tackle environmental crime, visit https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/anti-social-behaviour/report-a-litter-issue/fly-tipping/
To find out more about the Council’s waste services, visit https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-environmental-health/bins/