A man from Royston who dumped his waste on Therfield Heath, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), has been ordered to pay more than £1,500 in costs, after a successful council investigation.

Having found the waste originated from where the man had been living, a fixed penalty notice for £400 (£300 if paid within 10 days) was sent but ignored. Therefore a summons was obtained and the man subsequently pleaded guilty and was sentenced last week (26 June).  

He was fined £480 (this would have been £700 but he was given credit for his guilty plea) on 26 June at Stevenage Magistrates' Court and ordered to pay costs of £1,115.22 and a victim surcharge of £48, totalling £1,643.22. 

Councillor Amy Allen, Executive Member for Recycling and Waste Management, said: "It never ceases to amaze us why people think it's ok to get rid of their waste like this. Your rubbish is your responsibility and it's not fair to dump it wherever you like, especially on a nature conservation site. We investigate every fly-tip and hope this serves as a warning to anyone even contemplating dumping their rubbish, which is unsightly, costs councils thousands of pounds every year and can pose a risk to wildlife." 

We urge local residents and businesses to use registered waste disposal operators – otherwise you could also be liable. The best way to stop fly-tipping is to follow the SCRAP code. You can find out if someone is registered to carry your waste by searching the Environmental Agency's Register.

If you witness fly-tipping or think you may have dashcam footage of any incidents, please contact us immediately on 01462 474000.