A builder who claimed he gave his rubbish to a man in a white van to dispose of has ended up in court after it got flytipped.
An investigation was launched after piles of building material, carpet and black bags of household waste were discovered in Haigh Park in Whitehill Industrial Estate in Stockport earlier this year.
Stockport Council's Neighbourhood Service traced the rubbish back to Zeeshan Hanif, 30, and his wife Iram Mansoor.
Mr Hanif, a builder by trade, claimed he had passed the waste to a man in a white van, but could not provide enforcement officers with details of who the man was.
He also failed to check that they were a registered waste carrier, and could provide no further information.
The couple, of Forshaw Avenue, Manchester, pleaded guilty in relation to their Duty of Care contrary to Section 34 Environmental Protection Act 1990 at Stockport Magistrates Court on Monday.
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They were each fined £250 plus costs of £400 and a Victim Surcharge of £30 each, a total of £1360.
Stockport council has warned residents and businesses that they could be unwittingly using a rogue trader to remove their waste, and are advising people to check traders are genuine before handing over waste.
Councillor Sheila Bailey, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport, said: “This case should serve as a warning to people about the risks and irresponsibility of passing unwanted goods to waste carriers which are not registered.
"Fly-tipping is anti-social and criminal and when we have sufficient evidence the Council will take action.”
Details of registered waste carriers can be checked at gov.uk/access-the-public-register-for-environmental-information or from the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506.
Council Officers advise residents to make a note of vehicle registration and vehicle details.
