A Turners Hill man has been fined £1,150 and ordered to pay Wealden District Council £878.55 costs for failing to dispose of his business waste correctly.

David Lowe, (42 ) of Withypitts Turners Hill, pleaded guilty at Hastings Magistrates’ Court to failing to ensure that waste from his astroturf business was properly disposed of. The waste was found dumped on Ashdown Forest at Forest Row. Wealden District Council’s Street Scene Team investigated the offence and found Mr Lowe unable to show where his waste had gone.

The magistrates fined him £900 for two offences in relation to the lack of waste transfer notes, or receipts, which are required when any waste is passed onto anyone other than a council, and £250 for failing to register as a waste carrier with the Environment Agency. He was also ordered to pay a £45 victim surcharge.

“This case is a reminder to everyone, businesses and householders alike, to ensure you do the right thing with your waste,” said Councillor Ann Newton, Wealden Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental protection. You are responsible for making sure your rubbish is not dumped in our lovely countryside. Failing to carry out basic checks on anyone removing your waste is as bad as dumping the rubbish yourself. It could result in you receiving a hefty fine and a criminal record.”

Wealden Street Scene Team wants to help the public make sure they do the right thing by the law. Check out the Council’s website, www.wealden.gov.uk and social media  coverage to find out more.

Here’s what you can do:

•           DO check to see if a waste carrier is registered. You can find out by visiting         the listings on the Environment Agency’s website  or by telephoning 03708 506 506.

•           DO ask to see a waste carrier’s licence. It will either be A4 paper or credit card-size and will feature the Environment Agency’s logo.

•           DO retain a receipt or record of their details.

•           DON’T use anyone who cold calls.

The case was heard by Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Monday 22 July, 2019.

Photo shows waste dumped in Ashdown Forest.