Man fined for dumping asbestos-contaminated waste in Buckinghamshire

A man who dumped materials containing asbestos in a Buckinghamshire layby has been fined in court after pleading guilty to the offence.

Gurpreet Singh Chatha, 46, from Hayes, appeared for sentencing at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 20 August 2025, after admitting to the offence of illegally dumping waste.

The court heard that, on 22 March 2025, the waste, which comprised corrugated roof sheets containing asbestos, was dumped on the A412 Uxbridge Road in Buckinghamshire.

The offence was caught on Buckinghamshire Council CCTV footage from a nearby camera. The footage showed a vehicle pull into a layby. An individual was seen emerging from the vehicle and throwing waste into the ditch. The individual then got back into the vehicle and drove away, leaving the waste behind.

Following an investigation by Buckinghamshire Council’s Enforcement Team, the vehicle was traced to Mr Chatha. He was interviewed under caution at Slough Police Station where he admitted to the offence. Mr Chatha said he was paid £200 to remove waste after replacing a garage roof for a customer. He said he had initially taken the waste to his home address, but after being reprimanded by his wife, he took it upon himself to illegally dispose of the waste.

Magistrates at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court fined Mr Chatha £923 and ordered him to pay full costs of £2927.79. A victim surcharge of £369 was levied – making a total to pay of £4,219.

Carl Jackson is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste. He said: “Fly-tipping will not be tolerated in Buckinghamshire.To dump any sort of waste, let alone toxic materials like those dumped in this case, is a reckless and selfish act. I am pleased the court has imposed a hefty fine as punishment for this criminal action.”

Carl added: “For anyone who thinks they can fly-tip in Buckinghamshire, this case shows yet again that Buckinghamshire Council will do everything in its power to find the culprits and bring them to justice.”

If you have evidence showing an offence taking place and you are willing to provide a witness statement, please contact the Enforcement Team at: [email protected]

To report fly-tipping anywhere in Buckinghamshire visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/fix-my-street