Llanelli woman fined for failing to comply with recycling scheme

A LLANELLI woman has been fined for failing to comply with the council’s kerbside recycling scheme.

Natasha Marie Suttie was convicted in absence for an offence under section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Ammanford Magistrates Court.

The prosecution was brought by Carmarthenshire County Council.

The court heard that the council’s environmental enforcement officers attended the rear of a property in Dolau Road, Llanelli, and found blue recycling bags that had been contaminated with food waste.

Further investigation revealed the bags belonged to Suttie and as she had already been issued with a notice for a similar offence two months earlier; the officers issued her with a fixed penalty notice for £100.

However, she failed to pay it and as a result was summonsed to appear before the magistrates court.

The 33-year-old was fined £200 and ordered to pay £100 towards prosecution costs.

It is now hoped this case will act as a warning to other residents who fail to comply with the council’s recycling scheme.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Philip Hughes said: “It is important people put only the correct materials in their blue recycling bags and if residents are unsure, then please get in touch and our officers will be more than happy to advise them.

“We don’t want to fine people; we want to make it as easy as possible to recycle. However, if a resident continually ignores the council’s advice and repeated warnings it has no choice but to prosecute them.

“The council has strict recycling/composting targets to meet and must reduce the amount of waste going to landfill or risks large fines. We all have a part to play in this and I hope residents will act responsibly and co-operate with our recycling scheme as much as possible.”