### Builder Fined for Dumping Hazardous Asbestos Waste in Welsh Car Park
A local builder has been handed a fine after hazardous building waste, including dangerous asbestos roofing, was carelessly discarded in a public car park in Cardigan, west Wales. The incident has prompted warnings from local authorities about the serious risks of improper asbestos disposal and the legal consequences for those who fail to comply with strict environmental rules.
Ashley Ciminera, 37, appeared before Aberystwyth Justice Centre after admitting responsibility for two separate breaches of the Environment Protection Act 1990. The offences related to the illegal deposit of controlled waste and the unsafe handling of material known to threaten public health. Ciminera’s actions have brought significant criticism, with officials condemning what has been described as a clear threat to the safety of Cardigan residents.
The case centred on roof replacement work carried out at the Teifi Warehouse on Morgan Street in June 2023. During the removal of old roofing, broken corrugated asbestos sheets were not secured but instead were discarded into a neighbouring public car park. Reports from Ceredigion County Council revealed that pieces of asbestos also fell onto parked vehicles below, causing property damage and heightening the risk of airborne contamination.
Asbestos, a material that was once commonly used in construction, is notorious for the health risks it poses when disrupted. If asbestos fibres become airborne and are subsequently inhaled, they can embed deep in the lungs, resulting in life-threatening diseases such as asbestosis and certain types of cancer. To prevent exposure, regulations require that asbestos be removed in whole pieces, double-wrapped in heavy-duty plastic, and taken to specialist disposal sites.
Ciminera failed to follow these protocols, leaving fragments of asbestos openly exposed near a pavement frequented by the public. The risky disposal was discovered by the council’s waste enforcement officers, who acted swiftly to secure the site and prevent wider contamination. The presence of hazardous waste in a publicly accessible area drastically increased the potential for residents to be exposed to toxic fibres, further underlining the severity of the offence.
The subsequent court proceedings concluded on 29 April 2025, with Ciminera pleading guilty to both charges. Sentencing on 14 May resulted in fines totalling £400—£200 for each offence. He was additionally ordered to pay a £160 victim surcharge and £150 in prosecution costs, bringing his financial penalty to £710. It was noted in court that Ciminera’s building business had already dissolved at the end of 2023 and that he was suffering from ill health.
Reacting to the incident, Councillor Matthew Vaux, the Cabinet Member for Public Protection at Ceredigion County Council, expressed strong disapproval of Ciminera’s actions. “I am truly appalled by the disregard for public welfare shown in this case,” he stated. “This prosecution sends out a clear message that hazardous waste cannot and will not be disposed of without regard for the law and public safety. We will continue to enforce environmental legislation robustly to safeguard our communities.”
This incident is far from isolated. Across the UK, councils are reporting an uptick in fly-tipping and illegal waste disposal, including hazardous substances such as asbestos. The legal requirements around the management of asbestos are strict, reflecting the material’s well-established dangers. Yet, some contractors and property owners continue to ignore these rules, often believing that improper disposal will go unnoticed.
Local authorities, however, are intensifying their efforts to identify and punish those flouting the law. Regular inspections, tip-offs from members of the public, and surveillance around waste sites are being stepped up in response to community concerns. Residents are urged to report any suspicious dumping of construction waste, especially material suspected to contain asbestos.
Ultimately, the Ceredigion case serves as a sharp reminder that taking shortcuts with dangerous materials is not only irresponsible but also subject to expensive repercussions. The council hopes this prosecution will deter others from similar behaviour, reinforcing the message that the health of local people and the environment must come first.