A woman from west London has been fined £150 after pouring a small amount of leftover coffee into a street drain outside Richmond station while waiting for a bus.
The incident:
Burcu Yesilyurt, a Kew-resident, said she simply tipped the remaining dregs from her reusable cup into the drain rather than risk spilling them on the bus. She says she was unaware that this constituted an offence. Immediately afterwards she was approached by three enforcement officers and issued a fixed-penalty notice under Section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which prohibits disposing of waste in a way likely to pollute land or water including pouring liquids into street drains.
Her reaction:
Yesilyurt described the experience as “quite a shock” and “intimidating” and feels the penalty is disproportionate given the minimal amount involved. She also pointed out there were no signs warning the public that pouring liquids into a drain was illegal. She has lodged a formal complaint with the local authority and has yet to pay the fine (which can be reduced to £100 if paid within 14 days).
Council’s position:
Richmond upon Thames London Borough Council defended the enforcement action, stating that body-worn camera footage confirmed the officers acted professionally and sensitively in issuing the fine. They emphasised the council’s commitment to protecting local waterways and keeping streets clean, and noted that residents who believe a fine has been wrongly issued may request a review.
Wider context & questions:
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, depositing waste that could pollute land or water is an offence. Liquids poured into drains may eventually reach watercourses. Some members of the public have questioned whether such enforcement is proportionate and whether the public is sufficiently aware of the rules. For example, commenters on social media wrote: “Had no clue it was illegal.” “Then you end up with stinking soggy waste …” The incident raises questions about signage and public awareness i.e., whether councils do enough to inform people what counts as litter or waste disposal in public spaces. It may also spark debate about the role of local enforcement in what many may see as minor or inadvertent acts of disposal.
What happens next:
Ms Yesilyurt is challenging the fine and her complaint to the council will determine whether the penalty stands or is rescinded. If paid promptly, the fine reduces to £100. The case may also prompt discussions within the council about clearer public communication and possibly more discretion in low-level enforcement.
