A LICENSED waste carrier has been ordered to pay more than £700 for failing to take steps to prevent fly-tipping, including some of his rubbish.

It follows a report to a Durham County Council neighbourhood warden of the tipping of a large amount of waste alongside allotments on the outskirts of Great Lumley, in January.

Among the waste was evidence of packaging, carrying names and addresses, which the warden used to carry out checks.

One person whose waste was found stated that they contacted Justin Burdon, of Henley Avenue in Chester-le-Street, in December, to ask him to remove rubbish from their property.

Having a valid waste carrier’s licence and a van, he agreed and collected the waste that day.

The 22-year-old told investigators he sold his van before the incident took place but confirmed there was a small amount of waste in it, at the time of sale.

This became part of the tipped waste found in George Pit Lane, Great Lumley.

Burdon said he assumed the person buying the van had a waste carrier licence and would dispose of it legitimately

He said he was unaware of the fly-tip and had no need to dispose of waste illegally, as he had his own waste carrier licence.

Burdon had waste transfer notes for previous rubbish he had disposed of, at council depots, but failed to ensure he had transfer notes for the waste in the van when it was sold.

He also failed to ensure that the waste was transferred to a valid licence holder.

Appearing at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court, he admitted failing to take all reasonable measures to prevent a fly-tip by another person.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge, with £700 costs and £22 statutory surcharge.

Speaking after the case, Ian Hoult, the county council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “We share the same aim as our communities in keeping our beautiful county clean and tidy, so that it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

“That’s why we take incidents of fly-tipping seriously., investigate them and take action against those involved.

“It’s vital people take all measures they can to ensure their waste is disposed of correctly.

“This includes taking waste to the correct sites, having the appropriate licence permits, and ensuring those disposing of it have authorisation to do so.”

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