A London resident, Burcu Yesilyurt, was surprised to receive a fine for disposing of leftover coffee in a drain before boarding a bus in west London. She believed she was acting responsibly to avoid spilling it on the bus. Yesilyurt expressed her dismay, calling the fine excessive and unjust, issued under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
She recounted the incident where enforcement officers approached her as she poured the small amount of coffee, mentioning her lack of awareness that it was prohibited. Despite inquiring about any signage indicating the restriction, she received no response. The fine of £150, later reduced to £100 if paid promptly, left her feeling intimidated and shaken by the officers’ demeanor.
Richmond-upon-Thames Council defended the penalty, praising the officers’ professional conduct. Yesilyurt, still puzzled by the situation, highlighted the officers’ lack of clarity on proper waste disposal methods. Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 prohibits pouring liquids into drains to prevent pollution, a regulation unknown to many individuals.
The council emphasized its commitment to maintaining clean and safe streets while welcoming residents to challenge fines they believe were unjustly issued. Body-worn camera footage confirmed the officers’ appropriate behavior, contradicting claims of aggression. The Mirror reached out to Richmond Council for further comments on the incident.