A resident of Kew, London, named Burcu Yesilyurt, found herself facing a fine after discarding a small amount of leftover coffee into a drain. She expressed her disbelief at the perceived unfairness of the penalty she received under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Ms. Yesilyurt recounted the incident where she poured out the coffee before boarding a bus near Richmond station to prevent any spills while onboard. She was taken aback when three enforcement officers approached her, claiming that she was acting responsibly by disposing of the coffee in the drain.
Feeling that the fine was excessive, Ms. Yesilyurt voiced her surprise at the enforcement action and stated that she was unaware of any wrongdoing. Despite her inquiries about the regulations regarding liquid waste disposal, she received no clear response from the officers.
Richmond-upon-Thames Council defended the fine, asserting that the officers’ conduct was appropriate and professional. Ms. Yesilyurt, however, emphasized her lack of awareness about the specific legislation that prohibits pouring liquids into drains, as outlined in Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Although Ms. Yesilyurt was initially under the impression that the officers were approaching her for bus-related information, she was taken aback by the enforcement action. She described the officers as intimidating and mentioned feeling shaky after the encounter.
Richmond Council clarified that the officers’ behavior was reviewed through body-worn camera footage, affirming their adherence to professional standards. The council emphasized its commitment to maintaining cleanliness and safety in the borough, noting that enforcement measures are only implemented when necessary.
Ms. Yesilyurt was issued a fine of £150, with a reduced amount of £100 offered if paid within 14 days. She was advised to dispose of such waste in a bin in the future. The council highlighted that residents can request a review if they believe a fine was issued erroneously.
The Mirror reached out to Richmond Council for further comments on the matter.
