Wiltshire Council has successfully prosecuted a Trowbridge business owner for failing to meet his legal responsibilities around the disposal of commercial waste.

Mohammed Zekri, of Haden Road, Trowbridge, appeared at Swindon Crown Court on Monday 27 October, where he pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care to ensure his business waste was passed to a licensed waste carrier or disposed of at a permitted facility. He was ordered to pay a total of £347.79 in fines and compensation. The court also imposed a five-day prison sentence in default, meaning he will serve time in prison only if he fails to pay the fine.

The prosecution followed an investigation by the council’s Environmental Enforcement team after waste, containing building materials and other items linked to Mr Zekri’s businesses, was found fly-tipped on Drynham Lane, North Bradley.

During a formal interview, Mr Zekri admitted to paying an individual £350 in cash to remove the waste without checking whether they were licensed or obtaining any waste transfer documentation.  Despite enquiries, the council has been unable to trace the individual responsible for removing and subsequently fly-tipping the waste.

Businesses have a legal duty of care to ensure their waste is managed responsibly. This includes:

• Ensuring waste is only handed to licensed carriers.
• Keeping waste transfer notes for two years.

• Not presenting commercial waste as domestic waste.

• Registering as a waste carrier if transporting their own waste – even in small quantities.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, Streetscene and Flooding, said: “Fly-tipping is a serious offence that damages our environment, endangers wildlife, and places an unnecessary burden on local taxpayers.

“This case demonstrates that failing to meet your legal responsibilities around waste disposal, whether knowingly or through negligence, can and will result in prosecution.

“Everyone, including business owners, must take responsibility for how their waste is handled. If you don’t take the proper steps, you could face a fine, a criminal record, or even prison time.”

To find out more about how the council is tackling fly-tipping in Wiltshire and how to report fly-tipping, people should visit: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fly-tipping.