Computer engineer James Howells from Newport is contemplating a bold move - purchasing an entire landfill in a quest to recover a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin (BTC) that was mistakenly discarded by his ex-girlfriend back in 2013.

For the past 12 years, Howells has been tirelessly seeking permission to search the Newport landfill on Docks Way, firmly believing that his lost cryptocurrency fortune lies buried within its depths.

As the landfill is set to close during the 2025-26 financial year, Howells sees this as a golden opportunity to potentially gain ownership of the land and finally unearth his valuable hard drive.

Despite facing repeated denials from Newport City Council on environmental grounds, Howells is considering purchasing the landfill site in a bid to gain legal leverage for excavation. This move could potentially clear the bureaucratic hurdles obstructing his search for the lost Bitcoin.

With the ever-increasing value of Bitcoin since 2013, estimated to be worth over £630 million ($782 million) today, the stakes are higher than ever for Howells in his relentless pursuit to reclaim his fortune.

The narrative of Howells' struggle has captured the attention of many, keeping the internet abuzz with speculations on whether his gamble on the landfill will finally lead to the recovery of his lost Bitcoin treasure.