He Accidentally Threw Away His Hard Drive Worth £600 Million in Bitcoin—Now He’s Trying to Buy the Landfill to Get It Back #CriptoNews

In one of the most extraordinary modern-day treasure hunts, James Howellsa 39-year-old engineer from Newport, South Wales, remains determined to recover a hard drive he accidentally discarded in 2013—one that holds a staggering 8,000 bitcoinsnow worth over £600 million.

For over a decade, Howells has battled legal restrictionslogistical nightmares, and now a looming deadline as authorities plan to permanently close the landfill where he believes his fortune is buried. But instead of backing down, he’s taking an audacious step—attempting to buy the entire landfill site to continue his search.

A Costly Mistake Turned High-Stakes Treasure Hunt

It all started with a simple office cleanup in 2013. Howells, unaware of the future value of bitcoinmistakenly threw away an old hard drive. At the time, the digital currency was worth just a fraction of what it is today.

Fast forward to 2024, and those 8,000 bitcoins have skyrocketed in value, placing Howells’ lost treasure among the most valuable digital assets ever misplaced. But there’s a catch—the hard drive is buried beneath 1.4 million tonnes of waste in the Docks Way landfill in Newport.

Despite the immense challenge, Howells has spent years crafting a plan to recover his lost fortune. From securing investment partners to assembling an expert team of data recovery specialists, engineers, and even AI-powered waste-sorting technology, he has left no stone unturned.

The Legal Battle with Newport City Council

While Howells’ ambition is undeniable, his biggest obstacle hasn’t been the landfill itself—it’s been Newport City Council. For years, the local government has denied him permission to excavate the site, citing environmental risks, cost concerns, and potential disruption to the local community.

Howells has repeatedly presented detailed plans to conduct a carefully controlled search, addressing environmental concerns and offering financial incentives to the council. But in January 2025, a High Court judge ruled against himstating that his chances of finding the hard drive were too slim to justify the disruption.

Undeterred, Howells has now shifted his focus to an even bolder strategy—purchasing the landfill outright.

Buying the Landfill: A Last-Ditch Effort

Following the legal setback, Howells has begun discussions with investors about acquiring the Docks Way landfill. If successful, this would grant him legal control over the site and allow him to launch a full-scale excavation.

“If Newport City Council is willing, I could be interested in buying the site ‘as is’,” he stated, signaling his intent to take matters into his own hands.

This move comes at a critical time, as the council recently announced plans to close the landfill permanently by 2025. Their goal? To transform part of the site into a solar farmadding another layer of urgency to Howells’ mission.

Racing Against Time

The landfill closure has added an unexpected twist to an already dramatic saga. While the council argues that repurposing the site will benefit the community, Howells sees the decision as a major contradiction.

“They told the High Court that early closure would hurt local residents, yet now they’re fast-tracking it,” he said, questioning the sudden shift in plans.

With the clock ticking, Howells is pushing forward at full speed, knowing that once the landfill is redeveloped, his £600 million fortune could be lost forever.

This article has been republished from tronweekly. Note: This article has been edited for length and content.

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