For the Sake of BTC: James Howells’ Bold Plan to Buy a Landfill for His Lost Bitcoin Fortune
2025-02-11
In the annals of cryptocurrency folklore, few stories are as compelling as that of James Howells, the man who inadvertently discarded a fortune in Bitcoin and has spent the last decade fighting to retrieve it.
His £600 million ($760 million) treasure remains buried—literally—beneath layers of waste in a council-owned landfill in Newport, Wales.
Despite losing a High Court battle against Newport City Council, Howells remains undeterred. His latest gambit? Buying the landfill outright.
James Howells: The Lost Bitcoin Fortune and the Legal Battle
Back in 2013, Howells, a computer engineer, mistakenly threw away a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin during an office clean-up. The drive was placed in a black garbage bag, which was unknowingly taken to a local dump. By the time Howells realized the blunder, it was too late—the hard drive was buried beneath thousands of tons of waste.
Since then, Howells has tirelessly petitioned the Newport City Council for permission to excavate the landfill, offering a substantial share of the recovered funds in return. However, the council has repeatedly refused, citing environmental concerns, logistical challenges, and legal constraints.
In January 2024, Howells suffered a crushing legal defeat when High Court Judge Keyser KC ruled in favor of the council. The judge upheld the argument that once the hard drive entered the landfill, it legally became council property—effectively barring Howells from launching a search operation.
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Newport’s Landfill Closure and Howell’s Last Stand
In a dramatic twist, Newport City Council has now announced plans to permanently close and cap the landfill, a move that could seal Howells’ lost Bitcoin forever beneath layers of earth. The site is even set to host a solar farm, signaling an imminent transformation of the area.
For Howells, this latest development was both unexpected and frustrating. Speaking to the media, he expressed disbelief that the council, which had argued his search would be disruptive, was now closing the landfill anyway.
But instead of giving up, Howells is taking his fight to an unprecedented level—by attempting to buy the landfill himself.
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Can Howells Buy the Landfill? The Billionaire Backup Plan
Howells has reportedly discussed the possibility of purchasing the landfill site with investment partners, raising hopes that he may finally fund his own excavation.
While Newport City Council has yet to publicly comment on whether they would entertain such an offer, the move represents a last-ditch effort by Howells to reclaim his Bitcoin.
Despite the massive financial and logistical challenges, Howells remains convinced that his plan is feasible. He has previously proposed an environmentally responsible excavation strategy, leveraging advanced AI and robotic sorting technology to minimize disruption.
A Billion-Dollar Gamble?
Howells’ story is one of persistence, ambition, and immense frustration. Whether he will succeed in acquiring the landfill remains uncertain. If he does, it would be an unprecedented event in cryptocurrency history—a man purchasing an entire landfill to recover a buried digital fortune.
For now, Howells’ Bitcoin dream remains buried, but his determination is stronger than ever. Whether this saga ends in triumph or tragedy, it will forever be one of the most legendary stories in the history of Bitcoin.
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FAQ
Why can’t James Howells dig up the landfill to recover his Bitcoin?
Newport City Council has repeatedly denied Howells’ requests due to environmental concerns, legal restrictions, and the logistical challenges of excavating a massive landfill site.
How much Bitcoin did James Howells lose, and what is it worth today?
Howells lost approximately 8,000 Bitcoin, which, at current market prices, is valued at over $760 million. The exact value fluctuates based on BTC’s price.
Is James Howells really trying to buy the landfill?
Yes, after losing a legal battle against Newport City Council, Howells is now exploring the possibility of purchasing the landfill outright with the help of investment partners.
What is the council’s plan for the landfill site?
Newport City Council has announced plans to permanently close and cap the landfill, with the intention of repurposing the site for a solar farm.
What happens if Howells is unable to buy the landfill?
If Howells cannot secure ownership, his Bitcoin may remain buried indefinitely, potentially lost forever as the landfill is sealed off permanently.
Disclaimer: The content of this article does not constitute financial or investment advice.
