u/DramaticCelery5237

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice because I’m really stressed about this.

I live in a shared flat in Hammersmith, London, UK. I recently received a letter from the council saying they found waste bags and cardboard boxes left outside my building on the public highway. The letter said this was being treated as a potential offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and that they found card box with my name in the rubbish.
The issue is I did not take the rubbish out that day.The waste could have been put out by another flatmate or by the cleaner. I live in a shared household, and I do not personally control when or how everyone else puts rubbish out.

I responded to the council and explained that I did not place any waste on the public highway, that it is a shared household, and that waste disposal is sometimes handled by other residents or the cleaner.
The council has now replied saying:

“I do understand your point, but a resident in your household or a cleaner put the rubbish out on your behalf.
Please be advised that the Council operates a zero-tolerance approach to fT and littering. Following investigation, it has been established that an offence has been committed.
As a result, a Fixed Penalty Notice will be issued.
The penalty amounts are as follows:
£200 if paid within 10 days
£250 if paid after 14 days
Full details regarding payment and your right to make a representation will be provided with the notice once issued.”

I’m really worried because I feel like I’m being blamed for something I genuinely did not do. Their position seems to be someone in the household may have put it out it was done “on my behalf”. But I did not instruct, authorise, or ask anyone to put rubbish out incorrectly and i wouldn’t know who did this as i’ve been working late.

If I pay the Fixed Penalty Notice, does that count as admitting guilt or accepting a criminal offence? I am really worried as i have never had a criminal offence or done anything willingly to breach the law.

Could this affect DBS checks as i am about to apply as a tutor at summer school?

and If I challenge it and lose, could it escalate into something worse? or should I pay the £200 just to avoid stress, or is this worth formally disputing? But £200 is a lot especially after paying my rent and transportation and also for something I didn’t do!

I completely understand that councils need to deal with FT, but this feels unfair because it’s a shared property and there is no direct evidence that I personally placed the waste outside.

Any advice would be really appreciated, especially from anyone who has dealt with this
Thanks.