Telford Woman Hit with £1,163 bill for waste blunder
A Telford woman has been ordered to pay £1,163.56 after failing to meet her legal Duty of Care to ensure household waste was disposed of correctly. Waste linked to her property was later found dumped on Boulton Grange, Randlay.
Sophie Hikiss was prosecuted by Telford & Wrekin Council after ignoring her responsibility under the Environmental Protection Act. Despite being given the chance to explain, she failed to respond, and the case was escalated to court.
A Duty of Care Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) was issued for failing to ensure waste was disposed of properly. When the penalty was not paid, the case was referred to the Council’s Legal team and the case was escalated to court.
In court, the defendant claimed that residents were using each other’s bins and that waste may have been thrown back out. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced, receiving a total bill of £1,163.56.
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, said: “This case sends a clear message that failing to take responsibility for your waste will not be tolerated.
“We will continue to investigate and take action against those who disregard their Duty of Care, ensuring our communities remain clean and safe.”
Residents are reminded that there are legal and convenient ways to dispose of waste:
- Use your household waste and recycling collections as scheduled.
- Take larger items or excess waste to the Council’s Household Recycling Centres at Hortonwood and Halesfield, open daily 9am–5pm (except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day).
- Arrange a bulky waste collection through the Council if you have large household items to dispose of.
- Report fly-tipping confidentially online at www.telford.gov.uk/flytipping or by calling the confidential hotline on 01952 388 800.