Carmarthenshire Council Fines Residents for Bin Offences
Residents in Carmarthenshire have been hit with hefty fines for putting their bins out incorrectly, according to figures released by the local county council. The council has taken a strict stance on waste offences, aiming to maintain a clean and safe environment by issuing fixed penalty notices (FPNs) and enforcement actions.
Throughout August, several residents found themselves facing penalties and fines, starting from £100, for various offences. These included leaving bins out on the wrong days and improper waste disposal. One woman was fined for placing used puppy pads in blue recycling bags, while another was penalised for leaving bins outside her home on the incorrect day.
In one case, a man had to pay over £600 after being caught throwing a cigarette butt from his vehicle in Carmarthen. Another resident was issued an FPN for fly-tipping cardboard boxes and household waste at a site in St Clears.
The breakdown of the punishments handed out by Carmarthenshire Council in August includes littering offences, abandonment of vehicles, fly-tipping, and waste receptacle offences. The council also issued enforcement notices for failure to adhere to waste disposal regulations.
Aled Vaughan Owen, cabinet member for climate change, decarbonisation, and sustainability at Carmarthenshire Council, emphasised the council’s commitment to protecting the environment through these enforcement actions. He urged residents to follow waste disposal regulations and report any offences.
The council’s move to impose fines and FPNs aims to deter individuals from committing such offences and safeguard the local environment. However, the council faced criticism in August for disruptions in waste collection services around the bank holiday weekend. Residents were left with accumulating rubbish due to staffing issues affecting collections.
Following the backlash, Edward Thomas, cabinet member for transport, waste, and infrastructure services, acknowledged the challenges faced and committed to improving service delivery for future collections. The council will review its approach to ensure more effective waste management strategies in the future.
The fines imposed by Carmarthenshire Council highlight the importance of proper waste disposal practices and serve as a reminder for residents to comply with regulations to protect the environment.Residents have been fined hundreds of pounds for putting their bins out incorrectly in Carmarthenshire, figures released by the local county council reveal.