An ex-bin man who illegally accepted building waste has been ordered to pay £775 in court following a council investigation which had already cost him his job.

Phillip Rennison was caught on hidden cameras which were set up by Croydon Council staff at a secluded spot in Oaks Road, Shirley, to monitor fly-tipping as the area was known to be a fly-tipping hotspot.

What they actually caught on film was the former Veolia employee meeting with two builders and helping them dodge the cost of legitimately disposing of their waste by loading it illegally into his truck.

Rennison was dismissed for gross misconduct and he then pleaded guilty to charges relating to the illegal collection and transfer of waste at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on February 12.

The 37-year-old, from Chaldon near Caterham, must pay a £500 fine, £250 costs and a victim surcharge of £25.

Councillor Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said: "The strong message we want to send out from this case is how important it is for people to be responsible about the way they dispose of their waste.

"Taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for people who are trying to dodge costs.

"If any member of the public witnesses suspicious behaviour of this nature they should tell the council about it so we can investigate and take action."

Every business is legally obliged to pay for the waste it creates, and by avoiding charges in this way companies put a financial burden onto the taxpayer.

Fly-tippers cost Croydon hundreds of thousands of pounds every year, which is why the council is currently investing an extra £300,000 on ways to reduce the problem.


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