A shopkeeper has been fined nearly £600 for dumping waste from his store.

Shahid Ghani, 41, Dawson Road, London was fined a total of £597 for ditching cardboard boxes in Ragged Hall Lane, Chiswell Green.

He pleaded guilty to failing to discharge his legal ‘duty of care’ in disposing of controlled waste as he did not ensure the rubbish was handled by an authorised carrier.

The case was brought by St Albans City and District Council by St Albans Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 10.

The delivery of boxes containing goods for the shop in Islington was picked up from Mr Ghani’s Willesden Green home.

The retailer neglected to check that the man was licensed to carry waste and did not get a written note detailing the arrangements and this was found with other rubbish in Ragged Hall Lane.

The vendor was fined £267, ordered to pay costs of £300 and a £30 victim surcharge.

Householders and businesses have a duty of care under the Environmental Protection act to be sure that they only use authorised waste disposers otherwise they may be fined.

Business owners are legally obliged to get a receipt stating the vehicle and carrier’s authorisation number as well as where the waste will be disposed of.

Householders are advised to take the same action, as if the rubbish is illegally dumped then they will also face prosecution.

All waste disposers must be licensed and any customers should receive a receipt stating where the waste is going, the vehicle and carrier’s authorisation number.

If you see anyone fly-tipping, call the police, take down the vehicle registration number and take photos if possible, but don’t approach the fly-tippers.

Contact St Albans District Council by emailing wastemanagementservices@stalbans.gov.uk or calling 01727 809019 to report fly-tipping.

There are household waste and recycling centres that can be used to dispose of bulky items run by Herftordshire County Council.