CCTV leads to £450 penalty for "Duty of Care" waste breach

Telford & Wrekin Council has issued – and received early payment of – a £450 Duty of Care Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) after a significant amount of waste was dumped beside a Council litter bin on Bryce Way, Lawley.

On 6 December 2025, Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers were called to reports of a large quantity of waste left next to a public bin. On inspection, officers found documents within the waste that linked it to an individual from the Leegomery area.

Further enquiries were supported by CCTV provided by Lawley Village Academy, which clearly showed individuals depositing the waste following a private event held in the school hall. The school also supplied details of the hall hirer which matched the evidence recovered at the scene.

The individual responsible for hiring the hall was contacted and issued with an interview‑under‑caution letter. While they confirmed hiring the venue for the event, they denied leaving the waste and did not identify the people seen disposing of it on CCTV.

As this prevented officers from issuing a fly‑tipping FPN, the Council instead issued a Duty of Care FPN, as sufficient evidence showed the individual failed to ensure the proper and safe disposal of waste generated at their event. The £450 penalty was paid early, confirming acceptance of the FPN.

Councillor Richard Overton, Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, said: “Everyone has a legal duty of care to make sure their waste is disposed of responsibly. Dumping rubbish next to public bins or in any public place is unacceptable.

“Thanks to swift work by our officers and support from the school, we were able to identify the source of the waste and take appropriate enforcement action. We will continue to ensure we make Telford and Wrekin a cleaner, greener and safer place to live and prosecute wherever people do not look after the place we call home.”

Telford & Wrekin Council continues to work with residents, businesses and community partners to crack down on fly‑tipping and hold individuals accountable where evidence allows.