A licensed waste carrier has been prosecuted by Wiltshire Council after waste collected from a householder was found fly-tipped in a lay-by near Kellaways, Chippenham.

Martin Atcherley, of Stokes Croft, Calne, appeared before Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on 1 September 2026, where he pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care in relation to waste.

The prosecution followed an investigation by Wiltshire Council’s Environmental Enforcement Team after a report of fly-tipped waste was received on 2 January 2026.

Environmental Enforcement Officers attended the site near Kellaways and discovered a significant quantity of waste dumped in a roadside ditch, including used paint cans, plastic bottles and cardboard packaging. During their examination, officers found items linking the waste to a residential address in Calne.

The subsequent investigation established that the waste belonged to a homeowner who had arranged for it to be removed from their garage and garden shed as part of a clear-out. Before employing Mr Atcherley, the homeowner carried out appropriate checks to confirm he was a registered waste carrier and paid him £140 to remove the waste.

When interviewed under caution, Mr Atcherley admitted collecting the waste and confirmed the material found at Kellaways was the same waste he had removed from the property. He claimed a family member had later borrowed his vehicle while the waste remained inside and had been instructed to dispose of it in a skip. However, he failed to provide any details of the individual concerned or any evidence that the waste had been disposed of lawfully.

At Salisbury Magistrates’ Court, Mr Atcherley pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care regarding the waste. He was ordered to pay a total of £1,410 in fines, costs and victim surcharge.

The homeowner assisted Wiltshire Council with its investigation and received a £100 reward as part of the council’s We’re Targeting Fly-tippers (WTF) campaign.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This case highlights that registered waste carriers have important legal responsibilities for the waste they collect and transport, but it also serves as a reminder for homeowners that just because someone is licensed, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they will dispose of the waste lawfully.

“That’s why we always advise anyone who is having their waste taken away to get a receipt, note the vehicle registration and record the waste carrier’s licence details. That way, if the waste is dumped, we can trace the person who did it and demonstrate that the homeowner has met their duty of care.

“Fly-tipping blights our countryside, harms the environment and places a financial burden on taxpayers who ultimately fund its removal. We will continue to investigate all environmental offences and take enforcement action where appropriate.”

To find out more about fly-tipping in Wiltshire and how to report it, go to: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fly-tipping