Fly-tippers have been fined hundreds of pounds after dumping their household waste in the street.

Karen Vidler were both found guilty for two fly-tips that were reported in Spring Elms Lane and Backwarden Nature Reserve, Danbury.

Vidler admitted to both fly-tips when she appeared at Colchester Magistrates Court.

During an interview, she said had passed her waste to someone but could not remember who and could not account for how the items became fly-tipped.

Vidler, of Chaucer Road, Havering received a fine totalling £610.

Bobbie-Louise Sullivan, of Kings Road, Chelmsford was also found guilty dumped a pile of nappies and food waste in street, outside of a neighbour's home.

She appeared at Colchester Magistrates Court where she pleaded not guilty to the offences as well as breaching a Section 108 requirement to attend Chelmsford City Council’s offices for interview.

She was fined £480, plus a victim surcharge of £48, court costs of £400 and £220 for failure to attend.

Malcolm Sismey, cabinet member for waste management and recycling said fly-tipping costs the taxpayer around £1.4million every year to clear.

He said: “Household recycling centres, registered waste carriers and household collections all exist so that there is no need to abandon our waste in places where it creates a nuisance for others and a danger to wildlife.

"The black bin is only for non-recyclable waste and should easily be enough for two weeks.

"If everyone left their rubbish outside of the bin, it would attract wildlife who tear the bags open and quickly become unpleasant for neighbours, which is why most councils now discourage it.”

Susan Sullivan, cabinet member for safer communities, added: "Chelmsford City Council always prosecutes where we find evidence that someone has fly-tipped waste.

"If you aren’t sure what to do with your rubbish, please call us for advice – don’t fly-tip and don’t give it to an unlicensed carrier or you could end up facing a fine.”

For help and advice on recycling or to order your own recycling containers, go to www.chelmsford.gov.uk/recycling.