Litter and Stench Chaos: Gateshead Landfill Operators Fined
Two companies behind the rubbish nightmare and stinking smells at Blaydon Landfill in Gateshead have been handed fines after wrecking residents’ lives.
Companies and Directors Hit with Hefty Penalties
Octagon Green Solutions Ltd and its director Kevin John Wanless, 50, from Blaydon, along with Recyclogical Ltd of Leamington Spa, faced Newcastle Crown Court on 21 March. They pleaded guilty to multiple offences tied to rampant litter, overloading waste, and foul odour issues that plagued locals between 2018 and 2019.
Recyclogical Ltd copped a £70,000+ fine and legal costs, while Octagon Green Solutions was slapped with £1,800. Wanless himself was hit with a £450 fine.
Environment Agency Cracks Down After Resident Anguish
Andrew Turner, Environment Agency’s North East Area Manager, said:
“Our officers fought through legal battles to bring this case to court, showing we won’t tolerate lawbreakers.”
“I remember well the distress these companies caused local people – I’m glad they’ve finally been punished.”
“Environmental permits and strict odour and litter controls protect communities and nature. This case sends a clear message: breaches won’t be ignored.”
Storm Hector Worsened the Mess, Dumping Continued Despite Rules
Octagon Green Solutions bought Blaydon Landfill in 2013, operating under rules that required daily waste covering and litter nets. The site changed hands operationally in 2017 to Recyclogical Ltd, but permit responsibility stayed with Octagon.
In June 2018, after Storm Hector blew through, Environment Agency officers found plastic waste scattered across fields, hedges, and gardens. Despite the storm, the landfill took in 53 waste loads with litter nets torn and poorly positioned.
Later checks revealed waste left uncovered overnight, breaching the permit designed to control odour. Wanless eventually sent an action plan to fix the mess.
Waste Overload and Foul Smells Spread Over 1km
The site’s permit allowed a max of 409,000 tonnes waste per year. But by December 2018, operators had taken 487,368 tonnes – 19% over the limit. Wanless dismissed this as an oversight.
By February 2019, bad smells from the landfill drifted more than 1km, sparking more complaints. Officers discovered waste piled 15 metres high like a cliff face, left uncovered. The permit was suspended until the site covered the waste.
The court noted the site’s issues went back to previous operators but condemned the current management for negligence. The landfill’s proximity to homes and persistent problems made the offences more serious.
