Goole couple fined for dumping 15 bags of rubbish in alleyway

A couple from Goole have been ordered to pay more than £1,600 after dumping 15 bags of rubbish in an alleyway.

Maria and Maruis Frunza, of Henry Street, Goole, piled up the bags of household waste next to a wheelie bin in an alleyway behind their home, between Henry Street and Manuel Street.

The couple failed to attend Hull Magistrates’ Court on Friday (February 4) and were found guilty in their absence of disposing of waste illegally.

Maria and Maruis Frunza were each fined £660 each, ordered to pay £178.88 costs each, and a £66 victim surcharge.

The pile of 15 white bags of waste was found in the alleyway between Henry Street and Manuel Street on February 1 last year (2021).

The fly-tipping was investigated by streetscene enforcement officers at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, who found evidence the waste belonged to Mr and Mrs Frunza.

The couple did not respond to letters sent by the council, so the case was escalated to court.

The waste was cleared by the council at its expense.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council continues to remind residents they are responsible for disposing of their own waste properly and legally by using their household bins or by taking the rubbish to their local household waste recycling site.

For larger loads they can also hire a licensed waste carrier to take the rubbish away, or they can use the council’s own bulky waste collection service.

Paul Tripp, head of streetscene services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Some people think they can dump anything next to wheelie bins and the council’s refuse collectors will take it away.

“But this is a criminal offence and costs the council hundreds of thousands of pounds each year to clear up.

“To be clear, we will investigate every incident of fly-tipping and always take action when we can.”

Anyone caught fly-tipping could be ordered to pay a £400 fixed penalty notice or the case can be taken to court, where they face an unlimited fine or even imprisonment.

Fly-tipping information:

• Residents can report any fly-tipping or suspicious activity to the council on 01482 393939, or online at www.eastriding.gov.uk/fly-tipping
• People are asked not to touch any fly-tipped waste or approach anyone they see fly-tipping.
• For guidance on how to check if a person is a licensed registered waste carrier visit the council’s website www.eastriding.gov.uk/fly-tipping
• To find your nearest household waste recycling site visit the council’s website www.eastriding.gov.uk/recycling