A man was jailed and another ordered to pay more than £1,900 after they illegally collected waste which was later found dumped it in the countryside.

Eastern Daily Press: The householder who the waste belonged to was cautioned for failing to check their credentials. Photo: GYBCThe householder who the waste belonged to was cautioned for failing to check their credentials. Photo: GYBC (Image: Archant)

Last June rubbish was found dumped in Sandy Lane, Belton, and was searched by the environment rangers from Great Yarmouth Borough Council.

An investigation led the rangers to a householder, who admitted that the rubbish had been collected from her address by two men.

In separate hearings at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court, Kyle Miller pleaded guilty to collecting waste without a waste carrier licence and Cameron Doust was convicted of the same offence, with the case being proved in his absence.

Mr Miller, 28, of Brasenose Avenue, Gorleston, was jailed for a week. Mr Doust, 20, of Heather Gardens, Belton, was fined £750 and ordered to pay £1,084.60 costs plus a £75 victim surcharge.

The householder was cautioned for failing to check if the rubbish collectors were licenced.

Top priority

Anyone who collects waste must legally have a waste carrier licence from the Environment Agency. In addition, householders have a legal duty of care to check that anyone taking waste from their home has a waste carrier licence.

One of the borough council's priorities is to support people who want to contribute to enhancing the borough, and to challenge people and their behaviour when they disrupt others' quality of life.

Chairman of the environment committee, Carl Smith, said: 'These prosecutions send a clear message to anyone who is thinking of collecting household waste without a licence that they are putting themselves at serious risk of prosecution, a hefty court bill and even a prison sentence.

'This case shows that the Environmental Rangers proactively investigate environmental crimes, gather evidence and successfully prosecute those who have broken the rules, so please keep reporting incidents and providing tip-offs. All approaches are treated in confidence.

'In addition, householders have an important part to play in preventing the unlicensed collection of waste, because they have a legal duty of care to check that anyone collecting waste from their home has a licence.

'If someone knocks at your door offering to remove waste, think carefully, ask to see their licence and double check it on the Environment Agency's public register before allowing them to take it. If they can't show it, report them to the authorities.'

How to report it

Residents can call the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 to request an instant waste carrier validation check, or check the public register online at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/publicregisterAnyone who witnesses an environmental crime in the borough or has information that may help to identify an offender should contact the Environmental Rangers. The quickest way to report is to download the Report IT GY App, or you can call 01493 846478. What they need is as much information as possible, such as the date, time, location, description of the person, and the vehicle registration number, if applicable.