A MAN has been ordered to pay £731 after waste was fly-tipped.

Shazad Malik, 47, of Whalley New Road, Blackburn, pleaded not guilty to knowingly permitting the deposit of controlled waste and failing to transfer controlled waste to an authorised person.

But the court found him guilty, and he was ordered to pay a £120 fine, £300 in court costs, £277 compensation and a £34 victim surcharge.

Cllr Jim Smith, executive member for Environment at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We cannot emphasise how important it is to make sure you’re giving your waste to an authorised person or company.

“You cannot trust just anyone to dispose of waste – they have to be a reputable business that holds a licence and holds the correct documentation.

“Otherwise, we see cases such as this, where the waste ends up fly-tipped in a local area and becomes a blight for the surrounding community.

“Our household waste recycling centres are open over a seven day period in Blackburn and Darwen, so there really is no excuse for dumping rubbish out of your vehicle or letting waste pile up.

“If you can’t manage your waste and need advice or assistance when it comes to removing it, please do get in touch and ask for help.

“With prices starting from just £7.50, we at the council can help you dispose of waste safely,"

Council chiefs are warning people that if people intend to employ someone to remove or dispose of your waste, then they need to be licensed. To report waste crimes go to www.blackburn.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling.