An Epping woman has been fined after a “man in a van” she paid to take rubbish away instead fly-tipped it in front of garages.

Justina Cereskaite, 29, of Theydon Grove, admitted at Barkingside Magistrates Court on February 2 she had hired a man using Gumtree to dispose of her waste for £50.

However, instead of responsibly taking the rubbish to a legitimate place, the man instead dumped it by garages in Connaught Lane, Ilford.

Cereskait did not ask where he would dispose of the bags, or check if he has a waste carrier’s licence or receive a waste transfer note.

The court also heard she did not make a note of the registration number and afterwards found no trace of the man on Gumtree.

Cereskaite pleaded guilty for failing her duty of care to ensure that her waste was taken and disposed of by a licensed waste carrier.

She was ordered to pay a total of £655 in fines and costs.

Cllr Sheila Bain, Redbridge Council cabinet member for civic pride, said: “It is essential that the removal of waste is carried out legally in order to protect our streets from fly-tipping, “Not checking for a waste carrier licence is no excuse – it’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure their waste is being disposed of properly.”