A 45-YEAR-OLD who collected waste from people and then dumped it in the street has had to give up his lorry.

Officers from Greenwich Council's enviro-crime enforcement team kept tabs on John King, of Thistlebrook, Abbey Wood, as he used his blue Ford Transit tipper truck to illegally collect and transport rubbish.

During three weeks, officers found the household and builders' waste dumped in various parts of the borough.

King was eventually arrested and appeared at Bexley Magistrates' Court where he pleaded guilty to four counts of fly-tipping.

Greenwich Council successfully applied for forfeiture of his vehicle, valued at £4,800.

Cabinet member for environment and community safety Councillor Maureen O’Mara said: "This should also act as a reminder to local residents and businesses that they should only give waste to registered waste carriers or dispose of any unwanted waste responsibly."

For information on recycling in Greenwich call 020 8921 4661, email contact-centre@greenwich.gov.uk or visit royalgreenwich.gov.uk/recycling