Fine after waste left at supermarket recycling centre despite warnings
A man who left bags of waste by recycling bins at an Andover supermarket has been made to pay almost £1,000 after an investigation by Test Valley Borough Council.
Paul Lassman ‘didn’t see’ the signs at the Local Recycling Centre at Tesco, River Way, stating not to leave waste by or outside the bins, and that fly-tipping isn’t acceptable under any circumstances.
The waste consisted of bags of textiles, pillows, curtains, blankets and math mats. After the council received a report of the deposit of waste in August 2020, officers visited the area, which also had signs stating that donations were not wanted due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Lassman, 28, of River Way, Andover, claimed that he didn’t see the signs about donations or fly-tipping.
At Basingstoke Magistrates Court, Mr Lassman was fined £333 and ordered to pay £608.40 in costs, as well as a £34 victim surcharge.
Environmental portfolio holder, councillor Alison Johnston, said: “Across the borough, our local recycling centres are clearly labelled in multiple places to inform users that waste cannot be left by the side of the bins. Unfortunately, it costs us and the taxpayer to clear this up, just the same as when waste is left by the roadside.
“All forms of fly-tipping are not tolerated, and, while I appreciate the defendant has shown remorse and has the correct licenses, it is important we send a message that no indiscretion when it comes to dumping waste, is acceptable.”