Derbyshire fly-tipping initiative sees first prosecution

Those involved in fly-tipping could face prison, officials have warned

A first prosecution from a fly-tipping initiative is a warning to those using unofficial waste collectors, a Derbyshire council has said.

Bolsover District Council launched Fly Tip of the Week, which asks for help over illegal dumps, earlier this year.

Officials said a woman from Renishaw had been fined £90 after pictures of her rubbish were recognised.

They added people who handed waste over without checking permits would face punishment along with the fly-tippers.

The waste, including mattresses and furniture, was dumped on Derbyshire County Council land at Syday Lane in Barlborough in early January.

Pictures were posted online and the dumped items were identified.

The council said they found the woman had paid £50 to an itinerant collector but had not checked if he had a waste carrier's permit and could not identify him and so failed in her duty of care.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Dennis Kelly said: "This lady paid money in good faith to what she thought was a legal waste carrier, but this should serve as a warning to others that they must check a person is authorised to dispose of their waste correctly or they could end up paying even more or face a custodial sentence."