James Howells, an IT engineer from Newport, Wales, is at the centre of a high-stakes battle to recover 8,000 Bitcoins—now worth an eye-watering $716 million—that were accidentally thrown into a landfill over a decade ago.
The mishap occurred in 2013 when Howells was clearing out his belongings. Among the items was a hard drive containing the keys to his Bitcoin wallet.
Although Howells set it aside carefully, a mix-up led to his then-girlfriend, Halfina Eddy-Evans, unknowingly tossing the drive into a garbage bag. The bag ended up in Newport’s landfill, a sprawling 110-acre site holding over 1.4 million tons of waste.
Back then, the Bitcoins were worth around £500,000—a far cry from their current value.
Over the years, Howells has made repeated attempts to search the landfill. He proposed elaborate recovery plans, including the use of AI and robotic diggers, and secured investor backing for the estimated £10 million project. He even pledged to donate a portion of the recovered funds to local charities.
However, Newport City Council has consistently rejected his requests, citing environmental concerns and legal restrictions.
Despite these setbacks, Howells has refused to give up. In October 2024, he escalated the matter by filing a $495 million lawsuit against the council, accusing it of preventing him from reclaiming his property. The case is set for a court decision on December 3, 2024.
For Eddy-Evans, the situation has been overwhelming. In a recent interview, she admitted she’s tired of the ongoing saga, though she wishes Howells well in his efforts.
The story has captured the imagination of social media users, sparking debates about whether the lost Bitcoin treasure will ever be recovered. While some sympathize with Howells’ determination, others question whether it’s worth the environmental and financial cost.
