A Barking resident has been prosecuted and fined after failing to comply with laws regarding the disposal of household waste, resulting in them causing a significant fly-tipping incident in Barking.
On Tuesday 21 November 2023, Environmental Enforcement Officers from Barking and Dagenham Council discovered a large quantity of fly-tipped waste at the junction of Park Avenue and Monteagle Avenue, Barking. The waste included soft furnishings, children’s toys, household refuse, and documents linking the rubbish to an address on Park Avenue, Barking.
Following an investigation, Ms Cristina-Tanasia Tanase admitted the waste originated from her property, but that she had paid £100 to an unlicensed waste carrier to take it away. She was unable to provide any documentation or details about the individual or company responsible for the disposal.
Under Section 34(2A) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, all residents have a legal duty of care to ensure their waste is disposed of lawfully. This includes verifying that any third-party waste removal business is properly licensed.
Ms Tanase was issued with a £200 fixed penalty notice, which, despite multiple reminders, she failed to pay. The case was brought before Barkingside Magistrates Court on 16 July 2024, but she did not attend, resulting in a warrant being issued.
Ms Tanase was identified at Highbury Magistrates Court on 14th May 2025 regarding an unrelated matter. The warrant was withdrawn and a summons issued for her to appear at Barkingside Magistrates Court on 20 May 2025. Ms Tanase again failed to attend and was found guilty in her absence.
She was ordered to pay six times the initial Fixed Penalty Notice of £200.
- Fine: £440.00
- Victim Surcharge: £176.00
- Council Costs: £635.80
- Total: £1,251
Councillor Syed Ghani, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: "Fly-tipping is a blight on our communities and will not be tolerated. Residents must take responsibility for their waste and ensure it is disposed of legally.
“We will continue to take robust action against those who fail to comply with the law and contribute to environmental harm."