Magistrates in Leeds have handed a maximum £2,500 fine to a man who allowed rubbish to rot in his yard.
Brian Parkinson, of Tilsbury Parade, Holbeck, was found guilty for non compliance with Section 92 of the Environmental Protection Act, having left household waste and carpet outside his home for months.
Parkinson was fined a total of £2,500 – the maximum amount for the offence – at Leeds Magistrates Court and ordered to pay costs of £469.34 and a £15 victim surcharge.
Council enforcement officers asked Parkinson to remove the mound of refuse after they received complaints in March of this year.
A council statement issued after the court hearing said that following the usual council procedures, Parkinson was offered advice on how to get rid of the waste properly.
Parkinson was subsequently warned when he failed to listen to this advice and in April, he was issued with a legal notice to ensure the yard was cleared within 28 days.
Ignoring this legal warning to clean up and a lack of action led to prosecution.
Coun Mark Dobson, executive member for the environment, said: “We all have a responsibility to ensure we deal with our rubbish appropriately and there are many services on offer from the council and others to help people do so.
“If you need help to deal with your waste, please ask for assistance. Our experienced staff are happy to offer their advice and expertise to make sure rubbish is reused or recycled where possible.
“If not, you could find yourself in court and landed with a hefty fine.”
To report any concerns about bins or rubbish, call 0113 222 4406 or report it via the website at www.leeds.gov.uk.
For residents who cannot get to a household waste site and have large items of household waste which need removing from their property, the council has a bulky waste collection service. To book a collection, call 0113 222 4406.
Reuse groups, often voluntary initiatives set up to benefit the environment, also often provide free collection of good quality materials.