Islington Council apologises after fining Clerkenwell man for putting out his recycling
Angus Hamilton with the £50 fine he received for putting his recycling out. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
A man who successfully challenged a fine for putting his recycling out at the wrong time has called the whole thing a farce.
Angus Hamilton with the £50 fine he received for putting his recycling out. Picture: Polly Hancock - Credit: Archant
Lawyer Angus Hamilton says he has been recycling at his home in Clerkenwell since the option was brought in, but was left fuming when he was charged £50 for doing it.
After being challenged over the bill, Islington Council told him he had placed his bags for collection “outside of appropriate hours” – even though it had never been made clear to him what those were.
“I find it utterly ludicrous,” said Angus, who has lived in Amwell Street for 16 years.
“The council is simultaneously trying to encourage recycling and issuing penalties for following that policy.
“I’m not sure whether this is a desperate grab for money on the part of a cash-strapped council or just terminal stupidity.”
He was issued the fine after putting his recycling out on the street at 12.06pm on September 30. The council’s website says only that bags should be collected from his address every evening – there is no reference to when residents are allowed to put them outside.
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He added: “I was told I was breaking recycling policy that was on the website, but that doesn’t say remotely what they were claiming.”
The council website says only that recycling at Mr Hamilton’s address is collected every evening. There is no mention of when it should or should not be put out.
“What’s rather annoying from my point of view is that the fine failed totally to mention my right to appeal.
“They withdrew it. But they are still saying if you place your recycling in the street contrary to the appropriate hours it is a criminal offence.”
An Islington Council spokesman said: “We’re sorry this FPN was issued, and we’ve cancelled it.
“We have been investigating local complaints about dumping of domestic waste sacks in Amwell Street. However, we agree the time bands for recycling collections in Amwell Street should be clearer, and we are reviewing this.
“We’d like to apologise to Mr Hamilton for this FPN, and also thank him for recycling, which helps the environment and also saves money that can be spent on other local services.”
