Man fined for dumping suspected asbestos-bearing waste in Buckinghamshire

A man who dumped materials which typically contain asbestos in a Buckinghamshire lay-by has been fined in court after pleading guilty to the offence.

Harinder Singh, 50, from Almonds Way, Slough, appeared for sentencing at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on 15 October 2025, after admitting to the offence of illegally dumping of waste.

The court heard that on 12 August 2024, the waste, which comprised corrugated roof sheets which typically contain asbestos, was dumped at lay-by on Middle Green Road, Middle Green, Buckinghamshire.

The offence was caught on camera by Buckinghamshire Council CCTV. The footage showed a vehicle pull into a lay-by on the road. Two individuals were then seen emerging from the vehicle and depositing waste from the rear doors. Both individuals returned to the vehicle before driving away, leaving the waste behind.

Following an investigation by Buckinghamshire Council’s enforcement team, the vehicle was traced to Mr Singh. He was interviewed under caution at Slough Police Station where he admitted to the offence. Mr Singh explained that the waste had been produced as a result of some work that had been done previously at his home address. He went on to say that he suspected that the waste contained asbestos, but he didn’t want to pay to dispose of it legally as he knew ‘that it would cost a lot of money’. Mr Singh said that he had seen waste in the lay-by in question before and thought that if he deposited the waste in that location, the Council would clear it and foot the bill. Mr Singh refused to provide details on the individual accompanying him.

Magistrates at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court fined Mr Singh £933 and ordered him to pay full costs of £1,672.72. A victim surcharge of £373 was levied – making a total to pay of £2,978.72.

Ade Osibogun is Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste. He said: “Fly-tipping of any kind will not be tolerated in Buckinghamshire. To dump any waste, let alone suspected hazardous materials like those in the case and expect others to pick it up and foot the bill, is both reckless and selfish.”

Ade added: “We hope this serves as a timely reminder to anyone else who thinks they can fly-tip in Buckinghamshire and get away with it. We will do everything within our means to find the culprits and see they are brought 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