In 2013, IT professional James Howells from Newport, Wales, made a costly mistake—he accidentally discarded a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoins. At the time, Bitcoin’s value was relatively low, but as the cryptocurrency surged in worth, his lost digital fortune is now estimated at a staggering $630 million.

Despite his relentless efforts to recover the hard drive, Howells has faced significant hurdles from local authorities and environmental regulators.

A Lost Fortune Beneath Tons of Waste

Howells’ hard drive ended up in Newport’s Docksway landfill, buried under years of accumulated waste. Once he realized his error, he reached out to Newport City Council, requesting permission to excavate the site in hopes of retrieving the lost drive.

However, the council has consistently denied his requests, citing environmental risks and logistical concerns. Landfill excavations are complex and costly, with potential hazards such as toxic waste exposure and structural instability. Officials argue that digging up tons of garbage for a single hard drive is not a feasible or safe endeavor.

High-Tech Recovery Plans Denied

Determined to reclaim his lost fortune, Howells proposed a high-tech recovery operation using AI-powered sorting systems and robotic excavation techniques. He even secured backing from investors willing to finance the search and disposal process responsibly.

Yet, despite these efforts, the city remains firm in its refusal. In early 2025, a High Court judge rejected Howells’ latest legal appeal, ruling that the hard drive was legally considered waste once discarded, meaning the council had no obligation to allow recovery attempts.

Lessons in Digital Asset Security

Howells’ case serves as a harsh lesson in the importance of secure digital asset management. Unlike traditional banking, Bitcoin operates on a decentralized network—if private keys are lost, the funds are irretrievable.

For crypto holders, his experience underscores the necessity of proper storage solutions, such as hardware wallets, encrypted backups, and cold storage options.

Is There Any Hope Left?

With the Newport landfill slated for redevelopment into a solar energy site, the chances of excavation are slimmer than ever. Howells has floated the idea of purchasing the landfill outright, but whether the city would entertain such a deal remains uncertain.