Southsea waste firm's probe after video of workers 'sorting rubbish' in New Forest goes viral

The incident was recorded by Andrea Good in the New Forest and appeared to show two men from Southsea-based LJ Waste & Maintenance Ltd emptying rubbish at the entrance to her field.

In the 10-minute clip – which has since wracked up more than a million views – Mrs Good accused the men of fly-tipping, which they denied.

The pair instead claimed they were trying to sort out their truck’s load and needed to temporarily empty some waste out to do this.

However, in the video Mrs Good demanded the men pick up the rubble and stood there watching them while they did.

LJ Waste has since been criticised online for the actions of their ‘operatives’.

In a statement released today by, company boss Louis Lewis said an investigation had been launched and stressed his employees had not been fly-tipping.

He said: ‘As a company we take waste seriously and would never dispose of any waste in any location other (than) those specifically there to receive it.

‘The two workmen in question have until this event been hard working, reliable and polite. Our own internal investigation into the events have led us to believe this was an honest mistake.

‘We do not expect anyone working on our behalf to unload, in part or fully, anywhere except the appropriate locations.

‘While we do not agree with the location our operatives have chosen, we are satisfied that the load needed to be rearranged before reaching the disposal centre.

‘There was nothing to gain for either operative to dispose of this waste illegally which had been picked up from a residential address less than a mile away.’

The statement continued, with Mr Lewis insisting the firm remained ‘totally compliant with any investigation’ by authorities, if one is launched.

‘LJ Waste & Maintenance Ltd would like to apologise to Andrea Good for the upset and inconvenience caused by the actions of our operatives,’ he added.

Further training of employees at LJ Waste has also been promised in the wake of the incident, Mr Lewis said.

It is a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £50,000 or 12 months imprisonment if convicted in a Magistrates' Court.

The offence can attract an unlimited fine and up to five years imprisonment if convicted in a Crown Court.

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