Illegal waste collector fined £1,000 by magistrates

An illegal waste collector has been fined £1,000 after having his vehicle seized by enforcement officers.
A van belonging to Glenn White which was seized earlier this year.A van belonging to Glenn White which was seized earlier this year.
A van belonging to Glenn White which was seized earlier this year.

Glenn White, of Shelley Avenue in Easington Lane, had his vehicle seized from his home address in June this year as part of a joint operation by Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police.

Council enforcement officers were responding to complaints from residents about items being taken from people’s premises without permission and their investigations identified a pick-up vehicle that had been observed driving down lanes with someone standing on the roof looking over the walls.

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The case against White, who was identified as the registered keeper of the vehicle, was heard at Gateshead Magistrates' Court.

Mr White did not attend court but pleaded guilty via his solicitor to not having a waste carrier licence and not having a scrap metal licence.

Magistrates fined Mr White £1,000 and ordered him to pay £200 in costs.

Anneliese Hutchinson, service director for Development, Transport and Public Protection at Gateshead Council said: “We’ve recently taken action to seize the vehicles from several unlicensed waste collectors because it makes it difficult for them to operate.

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“We have never yet encountered an unlicensed operator who has been able to prove that the rubbish they collect is disposed of legally.

"We and many other authorities are convinced that many of these people are behind a great deal of the fly tipping that takes place across the region.

“Once again, it was local people who helped us to identify this person involved and I’d like to thank them.

“If anyone sees someone fly tipping or collecting waste in this manner, please gather as much information as possible, including vehicle registrations numbers, and as soon as it is safe to do so contact the council using either the online form or by phoning (0191) 433 7225.

"We will follow up all information provided.”