A man has been ordered to pay over £1,750 at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court after waste was found dumped in Basingstoke.

James Roberts, of Curling Way, Newbury, was prosecuted by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and appeared in court on Friday 12 June. He pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care which led to waste being illegally dumped in The Harrow Way on Monday 12 May 2025.

During the investigation Mr Roberts admitted that he paid a person £500 in cash to remove household rubbish, garden materials and a small radiator from his home, but made no attempt to verify the person’s details, waste removal licence or company name.

The items were later found dumped in The Harrow Way and an inspection of the rubbish revealed a box with a label linking the waste to Mr Robert’s address.

Mr Roberts pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care and the magistrates’ court ordered him to pay a fine of £500 and a victim surcharge of £200, as well as prosecution and clear up costs of £1,056.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “This case is a clear reminder that each of us has a personal responsibility for how our waste is disposed of. It is essential that people take the time to check that anyone they employ to remove waste is properly licensed and operating legally. Failing to do so could leave them facing a criminal record.”

“Fly-tipping has a huge effect on our communities and the time and public money spent clearing up fly-tipped waste takes valuable resources away from other vital frontline services, impacting everyone.”

There is information on how to dispose of unwanted items on the council’s website: www.basingstoke.gov.uk/a-z-waste-and-recycling