A landfill in Newport, Wales, is set to close, potentially sealing away a hard drive containing around 8,000 lost bitcoins—now worth approximately $768 million.
The Lost Fortune
In 2013, IT worker James Howells mistakenly threw away a hard drive holding his Bitcoin wallet during a cleanup. At the time, Bitcoin was not as valuable, but its price has skyrocketed, making the missing drive extremely valuable.
Efforts to Recover the Hard Drive
For over a decade, Howells has attempted to recover the device, offering to fund the excavation and even share a portion of the recovered funds with the Newport City Council and local community. However, the council has repeatedly denied his requests due to environmental concerns and high costs.
Legal Challenges and Landfill Closure
In January 2025, a judge dismissed Howells’ legal claim to force the council to let him search for the drive, ruling that the hard drive legally belongs to the council. Meanwhile, Newport officials have announced plans to close and cover the landfill over the next two years, with future plans to turn part of the site into a solar farm.
What Happens Next?
With the landfill set to be sealed, chances of ever recovering the Bitcoin hard drive are growing slim. Howells remains frustrated with the decision, believing that his recovery plans were not fairly considered. Despite the challenges, he has not given up hope of reclaiming his lost fortune.
This case highlights how digital assets can become inaccessible in unexpected ways, turning a simple mistake into a multi-million-dollar loss.
Your words are enchanting! Create more enchantment with Sprunki Game platform.