Sheffield building firm hit with huge fly-tipping bill

This unsightly mess cost a Sheffield construction company nearly £4,000 after the firm was hauled before the courts.
The rubbish found dumped on a field in Manor Castle, SheffieldThe rubbish found dumped on a field in Manor Castle, Sheffield
The rubbish found dumped on a field in Manor Castle, Sheffield

The piles of rubble, scrap wood, tiles and other building junk were discovered dumped on Skye Edge field, off Manor Laith Road, in Manor Castle.

Detective work led Sheffield Council's Environmental Protection Service team to an address where RM City Construction, based in Mount Street, Sharrow, had carried out building work.

RM City Construction Ltd said it had paid someone to dispose of building waste, but had not checked what would happen to the junkRM City Construction Ltd said it had paid someone to dispose of building waste, but had not checked what would happen to the junk
RM City Construction Ltd said it had paid someone to dispose of building waste, but had not checked what would happen to the junk
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The firm declined the council's request for a formal interview, only responding to the investigation once a court summons was issued.

The council said the company explained it had used a private individual to dispose of the waste but had failed to carry out any checks as to where the rubbish might end up.

The firm was convicted at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (February 28) of failing to take reasonable steps to ensure waste is managed properly.

It was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay Sheffield Council £342 in clean-up costs and £368 in legal expenses.

RM City Construction Ltd said it had paid someone to dispose of building waste, but had not checked what would happen to the junkRM City Construction Ltd said it had paid someone to dispose of building waste, but had not checked what would happen to the junk
RM City Construction Ltd said it had paid someone to dispose of building waste, but had not checked what would happen to the junk
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Councillor Bryan Lodge, Sheffield Council's cabinet member for the environment, said: "The council works hard to keep Sheffield clean, with staff sweeping the streets, working in the city’s parks and across housing estates.

"While we accept that RM City Construction Ltd did not tip the waste, the company did not take steps to ensure that its ultimate destination was appropriate.

"We hope that this sends out a signal to other companies to ensure their waste arrangements are legitimate."

Over the last 12 months, the council has issued 10 fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping and 30 for other waste offences, adding up to £4,600.

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It has also handed out 800 fines for littering during that period, totalling £35,400, and convicted 205 litterbugs who failed to pay and between them chalked up court fines and costs adding up to more than £60,000.

* For more information on what constitutes fly-tipping, and when to report it, visit www.sheffield.gov.uk or call police on 101.