James Howells, a UK-based computer engineer, has intensified his quest to recover a hard drive allegedly containing 8,000 Bitcoin—now valued at around $784 million—by proposing to purchase the landfill where he believes the device was discarded. In 2013, Howells claims his former partner mistakenly threw away the hard drive, which at that time held Bitcoin worth between $400,000 and $2 million, given the cryptocurrency’s trading range of $50 to $246.
This new development follows Howell’s unsuccessful legal battle against Newport City Council last year, where he sought either access to the site or compensation amounting to £495 million ($646 million). The council resisted, citing logistical and environmental concerns. However, recent reports from the BBC indicate that the landfill, located at Newport’s Docks Way, is scheduled for closure during the 2025/26 fiscal year, with plans underway to repurpose the site for a solar energy project to power the council's new fleet of waste collection vehicles.
Reacting to this news, Howells expressed surprise at the council’s plans, noting an apparent contradiction. “The council’s decision to close the landfill soon is unexpected, especially since they previously argued in High Court that halting landfill operations for my search would severely impact Newport residents. Now it appears they were planning to shut it down regardless,” he commented.
As the site’s closure approaches, Howells remains determined, highlighting both the personal and historical significance of recovering the hard drive. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases involving lost digital assets and public property regulations.
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