A Newbury man has been ordered to pay £1,756 after household waste was discovered dumped in The Harrow Way, Basingstoke. James Roberts, 38, of Curling Way, appeared at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on 12 June 2026, where he pleaded guilty to failing in his duty of care over waste disposal.
The court heard how waste including household rubbish, garden materials and a small radiator was found fly-tipped on 12 May 2025. Investigation officers traced it back to Roberts after discovering a box with a label bearing his address. He admitted paying an unknown individual £500 in cash to remove the items without checking any credentials, a licence or even a company name.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council brought the prosecution. The £1,756 total comprised a £500 fine, a £200 victim surcharge and £1,056 in prosecution and clearance costs. Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing, Cllr Laura James, said it is essential residents verify anyone they hire to take away rubbish is properly licensed and operating legally, warning that failing to do so could leave them facing a criminal record.
Residents can check whether a waste carrier is registered by searching the Environment Agency’s public register or by calling 03708 506 506. The council has previously secured similar convictions, including a case in February 2026 when Sam Millington of Longmoor Road was ordered to pay more than £1,500 after refusing to cooperate with a fly-tipping investigation into dumped waste in the same street.
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