BCP Council have said they do not have to issue a warning before fining people for leaving litter outside their own homes.

The clarification comes after a woman complained about the conduct of an enforcement officer who tried to fine her £150 for leaving a cardboard box and clothes airer behind her recycling bin in Christchurch.

Leah Spicer said she was made to feel “like a criminal” and called for council enforcement officers to know “the right way to go about it” after being threatened with a fine for leaving rubbish at the end of her driveway.

Bournemouth Echo:

In a video posted online, Ms Spicer is heard pleading with the enforcement officer not to fine her for leaving her bin and a piece of cardboard behind her on the pavement in front of her house.

Read more: Woman 'made to feel like a criminal' when threatened with litter fine by council official

Ms Spicer said she didn’t know why the bin collectors missed her rubbish, and said the enforcement officer was “gunning for her”.

She was told by the officer that bin men don't take items which aren't in the bin which she said she was not aware of.

In response, a BCP Council spokesperson said: “The Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement contractors, (WISE) enforce legislation in accordance with the law and in line with our policy. They receive training and ongoing professional development to maintain the high standards we require. They are sensitive to each resident’s situation, whilst still required to investigate and enforce.

"The contractors spoke to the resident who had left items of waste on the pavement for a number of days. Items for collection will not be collected unless placed in a bin and householders can be found responsible for waste such as this, even when it is outside their house on the pavement.

"Residents should visit one of our recycling centres to dispose of additional waste, or store it suitably and safely on their property until the next scheduled collection.

"BCP Council will soon launch an awareness campaign called ‘Your Waste, Your Duty’ to highlight the work we carry out around these issues so that all residents, businesses and visitors can continue to help improve our area.”

When asked if residents should receive a warning before getting a fine, the council said: "The officer was due to issue an FPN as part of section 87 of the Environmental Protection Act (offence of leaving litter). This does not require a written warning."