Woman must pay £234 after being found guilty of littering domestic waste in Cambridge

A woman has been found guilty of littering domestic waste at a household recycling centre in Cambridge.

Adele Convine, of Larkin Close, Cambridge, was ordered to pay a total of £234 for littering after the city council brought the prosecution.

Cambridge magistrates heard domestic waste was dumped at Larkin Close in October 2021 and that the council’s enforcement officers tracked down Convine, who admitted she did not want to contaminate the recycling bins, and thought it was acceptable to leave it by the bins.

She was offered a fixed penalty notice as an alternative to prosecution, but Convine failed to pay the fine and the matter was referred to the court.

Convine did not make payment and did not contact the council again.

At court, she did not enter a plea and was found guilty in her absence. She was ordered to pay a fine of £150, legal costs of £50 and a victim surcharge of £34.

Cllr Rosy Moore, executive councillor for environment, climate change and biodiversity, said: “We take the issue of dumping of waste very seriously in Cambridge. Dumping rubbish is not only unsightly and expensive to remove, but poses a health hazard to other residents, pets and wildlife. It also makes a place look uncared for and often attracts further dumping of rubbish and other anti-social behaviour.

“Our residents are sick of the irresponsible few who litter and fly tip in our beautiful city, it is a waste of the council’s scarce resources, which could be better spent on services to residents.

“I hope this prosecution sends a clear message to residents – please make sure you dispose of waste legally and responsibly.”

To report fly tipping, visit cambridge.gov.uk/report-flytipping.

To understand how to dispose of your waste responsibly, visit cambridge.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-rubbish