22.10.2025 14:20
Burcu Yeşilyurt, a Turkish-origin resident of London, was fined £150 (8,500 TL) for pouring the remaining coffee in her cup into the sewer. Yeşilyurt stated, "I poured out a very small amount. The moment I turned my back, three men started to follow me. I think the fine is very harsh." In a statement from the municipality, it was said that the inspectors acted professionally and impartially.
Burcu Yeşilyurt, of Turkish descent living in the West London area, which is part of the capital of England, London, was fined £150 (approximately 8,500 TL) for pouring her coffee into the sewer. Yeşilyurt was penalized by environmental officers at a bus stop near Richmond Station under Article 33 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1990.
"THE FINE IS VERY HEAVY"
Burcu Yeşilyurt, who stated that she was very surprised when she saw the fine, said, "I noticed my bus was approaching, so I poured out a small amount that was left in my cup. It was really very little. The moment I turned around, three men started to follow me and stopped me immediately. At first, I thought there was a problem with the bus. I didn't know it was illegal to pour a liquid substance into the sewer. It was really shocking. This seems quite unfair to me. I think the fine is very heavy. It's an disproportionate penalty," she said.
Yeşilyurt described her encounter with the officers as "quite frightening" and said she was "shaking" while going to work, calling for clearer warning signs to be placed at bus stops and trash bins regarding this issue. Burcu Yeşilyurt stated that she has not yet paid the fine and has made an official complaint to the municipality.
"THE OFFICERS ACTED PROFESSIONALLY AND IMPARTIALLY"
In a statement from Richmond Council, it was noted that the officers acted "professionally and impartially," and that the fine was issued in accordance with municipal policies. The statement mentioned that body camera footage of the officers at the time of the incident was reviewed, stating, "The footage shows that the officers acted professionally and handled the situation with sensitivity."
The council's statement included, "No one wants to receive a fine. We aim to apply our policies fairly and understandingly at all times. We are determined to protect Richmond's waterways and keep our streets clean and safe. Penalties are only applied when necessary. Citizens who receive fines can appeal if they believe the enforcement was erroneous."
Under Article 33 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1990, the UK considers the discharge of waste in a manner that causes land or water pollution to be a criminal offense.