Couple fined for dumping waste after touting their services on Facebook Messenger

A COUPLE who took payment for removing household waste before dumping it in a Tameside beauty spot have been ordered to pay over £1200 each.

Chantelle White and Michael Thompson, of Brown Edge Road, Oldham, failed to appear for the hearing at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 18 December 2024 and were found guilty in their absence for flytipping.

The court heard that on 14 November 2023 Tameside Council received a complaint about flytipping at Alt Hill Lane, at Park Bridge Country Park, Ashton under Lyne, .

Officers investigated further and found evidence that led to a resident who told officers that she was contacted by Chantelle White via Facebook Messenger to see if she wanted any rubbish removed and that the rubbish was removed by her and her partner Michael Thompson. The resident provided evidence to support her statement.

Mr Thompson and Ms White were offered the opportunity to come in for interview to discuss the incident – with letters inviting them for interview being sent on three occasions - however all correspondence was ignored.

Magistrates found the case proved and sentenced both offenders to each paying a £660 fine, £242.40 compensation (the full amount of our clean up and investigation costs), £264 Victim Surcharge and £125 costs. They were given 28 days to pay, and a collection order was issued.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods Cllr Laura Boyle 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.”

People can check the waste carriers register at https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers

For further information on reporting flytipping and what information is helpful to help trace offenders see www.tameside.gov.uk/flytipping