Facebook flytipping couple fined £1,200 each

A couple who charged for removing household waste only to dump it in a secluded beauty spot have each been fined more than £1,200.

Chantelle White and Michael Thompson, from Brown Edge Road in Oldham, were found guilty in their absence of flytipping by Tameside Magistrates’ Court on December 18. 

After Tameside Council received a complaint of flytipping in November 2023 on Alt Hill Lane, by Park Bridge Country Park in Ashton, enforcement officers found evidence linking the waste to a local resident. 

However, she showed that White had contacted her on Facebook Messenger about removing rubbish. 

White and Thompson ignored three letters inviting them for an interview and also failed to appear in court on Wednesday. 

Finding them guilty regardless, the magistrate fined the couple £660 each, £242.40 in compensation to the council, a £264 victim surcharge and costs of £125. 

They must pay within 28 days. 

Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside’s Executive Member for Environmental Services, said: “This is yet another example of people who advertise their services on social media taking payment to remove waste before illegally dumping it.  

“It serves as a reminder to residents who are paying for waste to be disposed of on their behalf to always check they have a valid waste carrier licence, ask where the waste is being taken to and get a receipt. 

“Flytipping is a criminal offence and a blight on our local communities.  

“We will always take action against those responsible and I’m pleased to see yet another successful court prosecution against offenders. 

“This year, we have carried out 16 waste related prosecutions and have also served 352 Fixed Penalty Notices for waste related offences.  

“Well done to our waste enforcement and legal teams for this dedicated work to support our local communities.”