Business owner hit with severe penalties after being caught on camera committing crime in middle of road: 'We will not tolerate'

A British waste service provider was caught illegally dumping in the middle of a road and was hit with a hefty sentence, according to the Northampton Chronicle & Echo.

Darren Clifford Lyons, licensed as A-Star Waste Northamptonshire, was seen dumping household waste into Banbury Lane. Footage of the deed was caught on camera.

After pleading guilty at Wellingborough Magistrates Court, Lyons was sentenced to 12 months of probation, 30 days of rehabilitation, and a £2,033.36 ($2,745) fine in addition to removal costs.

"This case highlights the importance of householders checking with waste carriers and asking questions of how and where they will be disposing of their waste," said Councilor Nigel Stansfield. "We also urge people to get a receipt from the contractor which details what action they will be taking with your waste."

The conviction isn't uncommon for the area. Northampton's environmental authorities have previously gone after repeat fly-tippers and corporate offenders. These efforts are in line with the council's sustainability strategy.

Waste in landfills does enough damage by producing atmosphere-heating methane as items decompose and shedding microplastics into waterways. When household waste is dumped in the open, it's even worse because it poses a health and safety threat both to humans and wildlife.

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These items can spread germs and toxic chemicals, for example. Animals can get caught in plastic bottles or choke on garbage while trying to eat it. Hazardous waste can pose a fire risk.

Knowing how to take care of your own trash is key. Reporting illegal dumping when it's found is also a perfect way to take local action on the issue. Northampton's government remains adamant in continuing to defend its environment.

"We will not tolerate fly-tipping within our communities, and we know how important it is to our residents that offenders are held to account for environmental crimes such as this," said Stansfield.

Should it be illegal to throw away old clothes?

Heck yes 👍