A HEREFORD woman illegally disposed of waste, a court has heard.

Caroline Smith, 41, of Putson Avenue, pleaded guilty to failing to secure the transfer of waste with a written description of the waste when she appeared at Hereford Magistrates Court on September 17.

The court heard that unwanted furniture was removed from Smith's home by a waste collector, but she had failed to obtain a waste transfer note and check that a waste carrier’s licence was held.

The removed furniture was found fly tipped on the roadside embankment of a country lane between the A49 and A465 in Hereford on December 28 last year. A disgusted resident posted a photograph of the fly tipping on social media and an investigation by the council’s Community Protection Team led to Smith's identification.

Smith failed to provide a detailed account as to who had collected the furniture, and without information about the waste collector, there was not enough evidence to complete a full investigation.

Smith was handed a 12 month conditional discharge. She was ordered to pay costs of £600 and a £20 victim surcharge.

David Hough, Herefordshire Council’s Trading Standards Service Manager said: “Everyone has a legal ‘duty of care’ to make sure their household or business waste is disposed of correctly.

"This case shows that you can be prosecuted even if your waste is fly tipped by someone else on your behalf. We would advise residents to always use a registered waste carrier and to never use the services advertised by cold callers or social media tip run adverts which offer to remove waste for cash.”

Residents can call 01432 260051 to arrange a kerbside collection of bulky items from Herefordshire Council which costs £25 per three items (fridges or freezers cost £20 per item).

Herefordshire Council’s Community Protection Team will investigate fly tipping which is reported by calling 01432 261761 or online at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/flytipping