ENVIRONMENT crime officers have issued a warning to South Gloucestershire residents after a woman from Frampton Cotterell was fined hundreds of pounds for allowing strangers to dispose of her rubbish.

Natasha Chamberlain of Kelbra Crescent, pleaded guilty to not taking reasonable measures to ensure that her household waste was disposed of properly when she appeared at Northavon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 14.

In July this year, the 40-year-old had left a washing machine and a fridge outside her property for collection. She was approached by two men in a blue pick-up truck who offered to take the items away as well as any other waste she had. She handed over a quantity of cardboard packaging from her garden.

On Monday, July 8, the council received a report about some fly-tipped waste found at Frampton End Road which included cardboard packaging for a barbecue, pizza boxes and a large plastic toy car.

Council officers found a delivery note on the discarded packaging, which lead them to Chamberlain’s address and she admitted the cardboard came from her property, but not the other items.

She was unable to give any further details about the men who took her waste and they have not been traced.

The court fined her £75 and she was ordered to pay £350 in costs and a £20 victim’s surcharge.

Cllr Claire Young, chairman of the council’s communities committee, said: “Household waste can be legally disposed of and there are a number of steps you can take to avoid becoming liable for rubbish which is fly-tipped.

“You can request to see a copy of the trader’s waste carrier registration certificate, and ask them where your waste is being taken. Legitimate firms will be happy to provide this information. Make sure you are provided with a registered trading address and contact telephone and don’t forget to ask for an official receipt.”

The council also advises people check whether your waste carrier is registered by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 and make a note of the registration number of the vehicle taking the waste away. Residents are encouraged to reuse or recycle their unwanted goods or take them to their nearest SITA recycling centre.

For further advice call 01454 868001 or to report flytipping email streetcare@southglos.gov.uk or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/flytipping