A LABASA businesswoman has been fined $200 for dumping commercial waste into a public rubbish bin.
Sky Tech Investment owner Shahimma Bi Khan pleaded guilty to one count of depositing commercial waste into a receptacle provided for public use, under the Litter Act 2008, when she appeared in the Labasa Magistrate’s Court.
The court heard that Ms Khan was seen at Nasekula, Labasa, on December 11, 2025, putting cartons and other rubbish from her business into a bin meant for public use.
Resident Magistrate Amelia Korodau said the rubbish came from Ms Khan’s business, and she was responsible for making sure her commercial waste was properly disposed of.
The court heard that Ms Khan, 34, is a sole trader and, therefore, responsible for providing the required facilities to manage waste from her business.
She was ordered to pay a $200 fine within 14 days, but would be jailed for 20 days if she failed to pay up.
The court noted that Ms Khan had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty at an early stage and was remorseful for the offence.
The maximum fine for an individual under the Act is $200, while a company can be fined up to $1000.
The court also warned Ms Khan that any further offence could result in a much higher fine.
She has 28 days to appeal.
